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Al Nassr Complete Wild Comeback, Emam Ashour Extends Al Ahly Deal And Xavi Opens Door To Saudi-Based Dutch Players

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Augustus Media FZ LLC
August 26, 2026

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From Al Nassr’s dramatic Saudi Pro League comeback to Al Ahly securing a key midfielder and Xavi’s first big Netherlands selection message, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Al Nassr fought back from 2-0 down to beat Al Ettifaq with 10 men, Emam Ashour has extended his Al Ahly contract until 2030, and Xavi says Saudi-based Dutch players will remain in contention for the national team.

Al Nassr Complete Wild Comeback After Early Red Card

What Is It About
Al Nassr produced one of the wildest comebacks of the Saudi Pro League season, beating Al Ettifaq 3-2 after playing with 10 men from the 12th minute. Bento was sent off after a controversial free-kick restart, with Al Nassr forced to play almost the entire match a man down.

Why It Matters
Refereeing expert Mohamed Kamal Risha said the ball was still moving when Al Ettifaq took the free-kick quickly. Bento’s red card also forced 18-year-old Abdulrahman Al Otaibi into his senior debut, with the young goalkeeper struggling for both first-half goals before later apologising to the travelling fans.

What’s Next
Al Nassr still fought back from 2-0 down, with JoĂŁo FĂŠlix providing two assists and Sadio ManĂŠ scoring twice, including the winner. The result gives Al Nassr a huge comeback win from a match that started with controversy and pressure.

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Emam Ashour Extends Al Ahly Contract Until 2030

What Is It About
Emam Ashour has extended his contract with Al Ahly until 2030, keeping one of the club’s key midfielders in Cairo for the long term. The renewal comes after Al Ahly rejected a reported $4.5 million offer from Konyaspor earlier this month.

Why It Matters
Al Ahly made it clear that the 28-year-old was not for sale, and the new deal strengthens that message. Ashour has become an important part of the side since joining from Midtjylland in 2023.

What’s Next
Ashour now remains tied to Al Ahly for the long term as the club continue to protect one of their core midfield names, despite outside interest from Turkey.

Xavi Keeps Door Open For Saudi-Based Dutch Players

What Is It About
Xavi Hernández says Dutch players in the Saudi Pro League will remain in contention for the Netherlands under his management. Asked in his first press conference as Netherlands head coach whether he would select Saudi-based players, Xavi replied: “Why not?”

Why It Matters
Xavi said he does not judge players by the league they play in, adding: “I don’t care about the leagues, I care about the players.” That is a major shift from the tougher selection policy Saudi-based Dutch players faced under former coach Ronald Koeman.

What’s Next
The stance could benefit Dutch internationals including Tijjani Reijnders at Al Qadsiah, Crysencio Summerville at Al Hilal and Steven Bergwijn at Al Ittihad, keeping their national team hopes alive while playing in the Saudi Pro League.

What Is It About
Xavi Hernández says Dutch players in the Saudi Pro League will remain in contention for the Netherlands under his management. Asked in his first press conference as Netherlands head coach whether he would select Saudi-based players, Xavi replied: “Why not?”

Why It Matters
Xavi said he does not judge players by the league they play in, adding: “I don’t care about the leagues, I care about the players.” That is a major shift from the tougher selection policy Saudi-based Dutch players faced under former coach Ronald Koeman.

What’s Next
The stance could benefit Dutch internationals including Tijjani Reijnders at Al Qadsiah, Crysencio Summerville at Al Hilal and Steven Bergwijn at Al Ittihad, keeping their national team hopes alive while playing in the Saudi Pro League.

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