Cristiano Ronaldo’s New Teammate Hit by Shock Setback as Jorge Jesus Drops Bombshell Decision

Jorge Jesus’ personal endorsement

Apparently, one of the defining factors behind the transfer was head coach Jorge Jesus, who personally pushed for the signing after monitoring Abdulkareem in continental competition. The Portuguese coach was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s composure and tactical awareness during the AFC Champions League 2 encounters.

Multiple Saudi reports confirmed that the signing was made on Jesus’ direct recommendation, underlining the expectations placed on the 21-year-old as he integrates into a squad featuring seasoned internationals — including Cristiano Ronaldo.

The blow revealed

However, just three days after joining — and despite already training with the squad — the optimism has tempered. Abdulkareem was notably excluded from the matchday squad against Al-Kholood, raising immediate questions.

Hayder Abdulkareem of Al-Nassr

According to former Al-Nassr legal director and club insider Saad Al-Subaie, the situation is now clearer — and more restrictive than many expected. The insider revealed that Abdulkareem will only feature in the AFC Champions League 2 and selected league matches, rather than being a regular domestic option. The reason is tactical. Angelo remains Jorge Jesus’ first-choice midfielder, with Abdulkareem viewed as a developmental option rather than an immediate starter.

Further context adds another layer to the story. According to the same insider, Abdulkareem was not the club’s first choice. The Riyadh outfit had initially explored moves for Lamine Camara and a Bundesliga midfielder, but financial constraints pushed the committee toward a more economical option.

“The management insisted on Hayder Abdulkareem due to the financial situation,” the insider explained. As a result, the Iraqi midfielder arrived as a strategic compromise, not a headline signing — a reality that now shapes his early role at the club.

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