---
title: "Roberto Martínez in talks with Al-Nassr after Portugal exit"
description: "Spain’s Roberto Martínez nears a Saudi Pro League switch as his Portugal reign winds down after the World Cup."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/roberto-marti-nez-en-negociaciones-con-el-al-nassr-d421b399
published: 2026-07-01T20:05:57.424+00:00
updated: 2026-07-01T20:05:57.424+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["soccer"]
---

# Roberto Martínez in talks with Al-Nassr after Portugal exit

> Spain’s Roberto Martínez nears a Saudi Pro League switch as his Portugal reign winds down after the World Cup.

Roberto Martínez is in advanced talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr as his tenure with the Portugal national team ends with the World Cup.

Martínez, 49, has managed Portugal since January 2023 and led the side to the 2024 European Championship quarterfinals before their World Cup exit.

His contract with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expires immediately after the tournament, and with no agreement for an extension, he is free to pursue new opportunities abroad.

Al-Nassr, coached last season by Luís Castro, has prioritized European managers to stabilize their project under ownership led by Qiddiya Investment Company.

Reports in Spanish and Saudi media indicate Martínez’s appointment is imminent, pending final contract details and medicals.

The move reflects the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive push to attract marquee names, following recent hires like Roberto Mancini and Zinedine Zidane in advisory roles.

For Martínez, it represents a career pivot after six years in international management, including a stint with Belgium from 2016 to 2022.

Portugal’s football federation has not commented publicly, but insiders suggest they will begin a search for Martínez’s successor immediately after the World Cup.

The next manager will inherit a squad featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão, but will need to address defensive transitions and tactical cohesion.

What’s next: The FPF must confirm Martínez’s departure and open the managerial search within weeks.

Al-Nassr will finalize terms and integrate him into a squad reshaping under new sporting director Fabrizio Romano.

## Why this matters

Martínez’s potential move to Al-Nassr underscores the Saudi Pro League’s rising pull for elite coaches and leaves Portugal hunting for a successor after the World Cup. The shift could redefine regional coaching markets and force the FPF to rethink its post-tournament rebuild.

## Frequently asked

### Why is Roberto Martínez leaving Portugal?

His contract expires after the World Cup with no renewal agreed, pushing him to explore new challenges like the Saudi Pro League.

### Which Saudi club is Martínez targeting?

Al-Nassr, where he is reportedly in advanced negotiations to become their next head coach.

### What impact could this have on the Saudi Pro League?

A high-profile appointment like Martínez would further legitimize the league’s appeal to top European coaches.

### What’s next for the Portugal national team?

The FPF must name a new manager after the World Cup, with Martínez’s exit creating a leadership vacuum.

## Sources & Citations

- [Roberto Martínez en negociaciones con el Al-Nassr](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/mundial/20260618/1004196722/roberto-martinez-negociaciones-nassr.html) — NewsData.io (2026-06-18)

---

Cite: Roberto Martínez in talks with Al-Nassr after Portugal exit. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/roberto-marti-nez-en-negociaciones-con-el-al-nassr-d421b399