Pep Guardiola's representative has moved to clarify the nature of contact between the departing Manchester City manager and Al-Nassr, dismissing reports of a world-record contract offer from the Saudi Pro League champions. Josep Maria Orobitg told Saudi outlet Okaz that while discussions took place approximately six weeks ago, no formal commitment or written proposal materialised from the Riyadh-based club.
The inquiry from Al-Nassr emerged following Guardiola's official announcement that he will leave City at the end of the season after a decade of unprecedented success. The prospect of the Catalan tactician joining the Saudi outfit had sparked speculation about a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo, creating headlines across global football media. However, Orobitg swiftly addressed inflated claims about the financial package, stating the reported €130 million annual salary figure was inaccurate. "There was contact a month and a half ago, just contact, without any commitment or written offer. It's not that much money," he explained.
Other Saudi Inquiries Ruled Out
Beyond Al-Nassr's overture, Guardiola has also received interest from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, with talks occurring roughly two weeks prior. Orobitg revealed that further discussions with the national team setup are unlikely in the near term. "At the moment, none of them have much of a chance of signing Guardiola," the agent stated, signalling the manager's focus remains elsewhere as he enters the final chapter of his City tenure.
The timing of Al-Nassr's approach came after Jorge Jesus departed as head coach following the club's recent Saudi Premier League title and AFC Champions League Two success. Guardiola will take charge of Manchester City for the last time on Sunday against Aston Villa in an emotional season finale, following which he transitions to a role as Global Ambassador for the City Football Group.
