Al-Nassr appoints Postecoglou, ends Martinez speculation

Al-Nassr has made its choice: it is Ange Postecoglou who will take the reins of the Saudi club, not Roberto Martinez. The Saudi Arabia champions have officially announced the signing of the former Tottenham manager for two seasons, putting an end to rumours that had been circulating in Portuguese football for several days.

Martinez’s name had indeed circulated insistently in Al-Nassr’s corridors. The Portugal manager, whose departure after the 2026 World Cup is already decided, was presented as a serious candidate to lead Cristiano Ronaldo’s club — a situation that would have raised an obvious conflict of interest, with the Spanish coach still in charge of the national team of his star striker.

Postecoglou, meanwhile, arrives after a difficult season at Nottingham Forest. The Australian returns to a leading position at the head of a Saudi Pro League title-winning team, with a contract whose financial terms promise to be substantial.

For Martinez, the news comes at the right time. Having regained credibility by qualifying Portugal for the World Cup round of 16, he can now calmly prepare the clash against Spain next Monday in Dallas, without the question of his professional future disrupting the Seleção’s preparations. The rest of his career will have to wait until the end of the tournament.