Al-Nassr have parted ways with Uzbekistan forward Jaloliddin Masharipov by mutual consent ahead of Aymeric Laporte’s reported arrival.
Laporte has been heavily linked with a move to Al-Nassr in recent days with the Spaniard looking set to complete a move to Riyadh according to multiple reports.
The 29-year-old defender’s transfer from Manchester City could make him Al-Nassr’s fifth summer signing after Seko Fofana, Alex Telles, Marcelo Brozovic, and Sadio Mane.
But before his arrival in Riyadh, Al-Nassr needed to handle outgoing transfers as they are limited to a certain number of non-homegrown players.
According to the Saudi Pro League regulations, each club is allowed to have no more than eight foreign players in their squad.
As a result, Al-Nassr decided to release Jaloliddin Masharipov after spending just over two years since joining them back in 2021.
The Uzbeki winger failed to live up to the expectations at Al-Nassr after netting four times and providing eight assists in 45 games across all competitions.
It’s worth noting that Masharipov gave up his no.7 jersey for Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this year to allow the former Manchester United man to wear his desired shirt number.
“Al-Nassr can announce the release of Uzbekistan international Jaloliddin Masharipov by mutual agreement. We wish him luck,” the club said in an official statement.
His exit has been viewed by many as a confirmation that Al-Nassr will land Laporte this week as he could be making his debut in the AFC Champions League play-offs against Emirati side Shabab Al-Ahli on Tuesday.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has also been rumoured to be on his way out of the club which may indicate that Al-Nassr are planning on making more signings.