Roberto Martinez in Talks to Join Al-Nassr

Roberto Martinez is edging towards a new chapter in his coaching career, with French outlet RMC Sport reporting that the Portugal manager is in talks to take over at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

The discussions are understood to have started before the World Cup kicked off, a clear sign that both parties have been planning well ahead of the current tournament. Martinez’s contract with Portugal runs only until the end of the competition, and the draw against DR Congo in their World Cup opener has done little to quieten the noise around his future.

Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo on Wednesday, a frustrating start that leaves the Iberian side third in Group K. The result piles early pressure on Martinez, whose tenure with Belgium ended in similar World Cup disappointment before he took the Portugal job.

Al-Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, are now positioning themselves to be his next destination. The link is obvious. Ronaldo, 40, started against DR Congo and completed the full 90 minutes, still the central figure in Portugal’s attack and the marquee star of the Riyadh club. A move for Martinez would reunite coach and captain at club level, just as questions swirl about how much longer they will work together on the international stage.

While Colombia’s win over Uzbekistan later in the day pushed them to the top of Group K, the more intriguing subplot may be unfolding off the pitch. As Portugal fight to steady their World Cup campaign, the man on their touchline is already being lined up as the next big name in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious project.