EPL: Alex Telles to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr are exploring a deal to sign Manchester United left-back Alex Telles who has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The defender, who joined United in 2020, spent last season on loan at Sevilla and Erik ten Hag is keen to sell him this summer. With Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Alvaro Fernandez ahead of Telles in the pecking order at left-back, his departure was always expected this summer.
In recent weeks, Telles had been the subject of overtures from a number of parties, mostly from Portugal where he made a name for himself at the Estádio do Dragão.
Benfica were hot on the trail of the 30-year-old although the player himself rubbished such links. Porto were also keen on bringing him back.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al-Nassr have won the race to sign Alex Telles and negotiations have been held between the relevant parties.
A ‘verbal agreement’ is said to have been reached with the two clubs on board with getting a transfer concluded as soon as possible.
He tweeted;
“Al Nassr are closing in on deal to sign Alex Telles from Man United, here we go soon! There’s verbal agreement now in place between the two clubs, waiting for the documents/check details.”
EXCL: Al Nassr are closing in on deal to sign Alex Telles from Man United, here we go soon! 🚨🟡🔵🇸🇦
There’s verbal agreement now in place between the two clubs, waiting for the documents/check details.
Al Nassr want both Seko Fofana and Telles to join in the next days. pic.twitter.com/1gmI7oEEOw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023
Telles’ expected departure from Old Trafford comes after just 50 appearances for United. The Brazilian was unable to dislodge Shaw as the first choice on the left-hand side of defence, and his weak defensive displays resulted in Ten Hag allowing the defender to leave last summer.
If the transfer goes through, the 30-year-old will join a long list of players who have moved to Saudi Arabia this summer, including Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. Telles will also link up with former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, along with ex-Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, and Marcelo Brozovic, who signed from Inter Milan earlier this summer.