Ex-Real Madrid defender joins Al-Qadsiah after leaving Real

Former Real Madrid defender Nacho has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

The 34-year-old will make the move following Euro 2024, where he is currently part of the Spain squad.

“These things don’t affect me in the games. I knew it for months and it’s made me enjoy things more,” Nacho said.

Al-Qadsiah earned promotion to the top division last month by winning the Saudi First Division League.

The Saudi Pro League boasts several high-profile players, with Cristiano Ronaldo joining Al Nassr in 2022, and Karim Benzema, another former teammate of Nacho’s at Real Madrid, playing for Al-Ittihad.

Last summer, the Saudi Pro League recorded the fourth highest transfer expenditure among domestic leagues, surpassing Spain’s La Liga and Germany’s Bundesliga.

Spain will face Georgia in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday.