In the closing days of the winter transfer window, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, reportedly made a surprise bid to bring Albanian international left-back Mario Mitaj on loan — but Al-Ittihad refused the offer outright.
Who Is Mario Mitaj?
Mario Mitaj is a 22-year-old Albanian left-back with international experience for the Albanian national team and notable participation in club football in Saudi Arabia. He plays for Al-Ittihad — a rival Saudi Pro League club — and has been an important figure since his move there, having been signed in January 2025 for a reported €4 million.
Mitaj’s performances have attracted attention both in Saudi Arabia and in European leagues, where several clubs are also reportedly monitoring his development.
Al-Nassr’s Interest and Offer
According to Arab football journalist Abdulilah Al-Amri, Al-Nassr, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane currently star, approached Al-Ittihad with a loan proposal for Mitaj until the end of the season. The idea was to strengthen the left-back position at Al-Nassr — seen as a key area for improvement as the club pushes for domestic and continental success.
This move reflects Al-Nassr’s ambition to add depth to its squad, leveraging its financial power and reputation to attract talent. With Ronaldo, one of the most famous footballers in history, and Mane, one of Africa’s top players, already leading the team, any signing linked to Al-Nassr inevitably draws regional attention.
Al-Ittihad’s Immediate Refusal
However, the negotiations didn’t progress. Al-Ittihad quickly rejected the loan request, citing competitive concerns. As direct rivals in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad did not want to reinforce a competitor in the title race by sending them one of their rising players.
This decision underlines the strategic nature of player movements in the league — especially high-profile players who could influence key matches between top clubs like Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, who regularly battle for the championship.
What This Means for Mitaj
For Mario Mitaj, this means he will remain at Al-Ittihad at least for the rest of the season, barring a surprise change in deals before the transfer window closes. Remaining with Al-Ittihad keeps him in a strong position to continue playing regularly in one of Asia’s most competitive leagues and maintain visibility for both club success and international call-ups.
Mitaj’s development has been watched carefully by scouts and clubs beyond Saudi Arabia, and the continued interest from teams like Al-Nassr underscores his rising profile in the game.
Al-Nassr’s Strategy and Squad Context
Al-Nassr’s interest in a defender comes amid broader league dynamics. The Saudi Pro League has attracted global stars — not only Ronaldo and Mane but others like Marcelo Brozović and Joao Félix — making it a magnet for talent just as Europe’s top divisions remain competitive.
Adding defensive reinforcements has been a talking point for Al-Nassr fans, especially as the club seeks to balance offensive firepower with a more stable back line. The bid for Mitaj could be seen as part of that strategy, even if it didn’t succeed this month.
Looking Ahead
With the transfer window closing, it’s unclear whether Al-Nassr will renew their pursuit of Mitaj or shift focus to other targets — possibly in Europe or elsewhere in the region. For his part, Mitaj remains in a good competitive environment, and his performances this season could trigger future moves abroad or within the Arabian football world.