Feyenoord’s star defender Dávid Hancko is on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr in a deal that could shatter the Dutch club’s record books. The Slovakian centre-back, a cornerstone of Feyenoord’s recent successes, is reportedly finalizing a move to the Riyadh-based outfit for a fee of €33 million plus add-ons, potentially rising to €40 million, surpassing the club’s previous record transfer of €35 million for Santiago Giménez to AC Milan earlier this year. Hancko, who will team up with global icon Cristiano Ronaldo, is expected to sign a lucrative three-year contract with an option for an additional year, marking a significant coup for Al Nassr as they bolster their squad under new manager Jorge Jesus.
Hancko, 27, has been a standout performer for Feyenoord since arriving from Sparta Prague in 2022 for just over €8 million. His commanding presence at the heart of the defense helped the Rotterdam club secure the Eredivisie title in his first season and the KNVB Cup the following year. Across three seasons, Hancko made 140 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 12 assists—an impressive return for a defender capable of playing both centre-back and left-back. His performances also caught the eye of European heavyweights, with Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid previously linked, but Al Nassr’s financial muscle and persistent negotiations have secured the Slovakian’s signature.
“David has been exceptional for us, a true leader on and off the pitch,” Feyenoord general manager Dennis te Kloese told Voetbal International. “This transfer represents a record fee for the club, and while we’re sad to see him go, we wish him the best in this exciting new chapter.” The deal, initially stalled by changes in Al Nassr’s management, gained momentum in recent weeks, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming on social media platform X: “David Hancko to Al Nassr, here we go! €33m plus add-ons agreed with Feyenoord after long negotiations. Contract until June 2028.”
At Al Nassr, Hancko will join a star-studded squad featuring Ronaldo, who recently extended his contract, as well as Sadio Mané, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozović. The Slovakian is expected to form a formidable defensive partnership with Laporte, providing solidity to a team chasing Saudi Pro League glory. Despite failing to win the league title in recent seasons, Al Nassr’s ambition is clear, with Ronaldo’s pursuit of his 1,000th career goal adding further spotlight to the club.
The transfer saga wasn’t without its twists. Earlier this summer, Al Nassr’s interest cooled after a management shake-up, and Hancko was heavily linked with Juventus, where former sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli had agreed personal terms. However, the Italian giants’ failure to meet Feyenoord’s valuation opened the door for Al Nassr to swoop in with a revised offer. “It’s a bittersweet moment,” Hancko said in a recent interview with Algemeen Dagblad. “Feyenoord gave me so much, but the opportunity to play alongside players like Ronaldo and Mané is something I couldn’t turn down.”
Feyenoord are already planning for life after Hancko, with reports suggesting they are targeting Velez Sarsfield’s 22-year-old defender Valentín Gómez as a potential replacement, though Real Betis are also in the race. For Al Nassr, Hancko’s arrival signals their intent to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in the AFC Champions League.