According to L'equipe, Nacho Fernandez is on the verge of completing a free transfer to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ittihad.

🚨 Nacho Fernández is close to joining Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid, per @lequipe 😮 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/ttwAw4aeto

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 13, 2024

The Spaniard recently announced his departure from his beloved Real Madrid after donning the lily white shirt on 364 occasions.

Fernandez, known as “Nacho” to many, was determined to continue his career in Europe but had not received any suitable approaches. Real Madrid offered their captain a new deal, but the 34 year old preferred to leave the club he joined when he was just 10.

Having spent his entire career in Madrid, Nacho will leave a legend, famously performing the “matador” carrying on a legacy left by former captains Sergio Ramos and Raúl.

©️🙌🏆#CHAMP15NS pic.twitter.com/CvED4k85y5

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 3, 2024

Fabrizio Romano adds that the current Real Madrid captain is now on the brink of accepting a proposal from Saudi side Al Ittihad in a move that will see him link up with former teammate Karim Benzema.

A deal has not yet been finalised, but the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium seems the most likely destination for Nacho Fernandez.

🚨🟡⚫️ Al Ittihad are in advanced talks to sign Nacho as free agent from Real Madrid.

NOT done yet but talks ongoing, as reported by L’Équipé tonight.

⚪️🇪🇸 Real Madrid wait for Nacho’s final communication but still expect him to leave since May — Leny Yoro, top of their list. pic.twitter.com/v9RWheXEEw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2024

The pair won it all for Los Blancos including 5 Champions League titles and 4 LaLiga trophies. After just one year apart, where Nacho added another UCL trophy to his impressive collection, they will be reunited under Ittihad coach Marcelo Gallardo.

Benzema’s time away from the Bernabéu has been a story of solemnity as the Frenchman has struggled to adapt to a new culture of football in Saudi Arabia since his move in June of 2023.

W E L C O M E !
B E N Z E M A 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/Oc9IK4OoDj

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) June 6, 2023

Nacho could be the key to unlocking the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner. Ittihad struggled during the 2023/24 campaign finishing fifth despite the marquee signings of Benzema, Kante, Fabinho and Jota.