Brazilian goalkeeper Bento is set to stay at Al-Nassr until at least the end of the season. Following a dramatic collapse in negotiations with Serie A side Genoa, the 26-year-old shot-stopper has found himself back in favor under manager Jorge Jesus.
The transfer saga reached a climax last week when Genoa pivoted away from Bento at the eleventh hour, opting instead to sign Justin Bijlow. With the Saudi transfer window closing and no fresh offers on the table, The Nassr Tribune reports that Bento will remain in Riyadh to fight for his place.
The Jorge Jesus U-Turn
The situation marks a significant tactical shift for Jorge Jesus. Upon his arrival at Al-Nassr, the Portuguese manager was reportedly underwhelmed by Bento’s performances, briefly dropping him from the matchday squad.
However, following a string of inconsistent displays from Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Jesus has reconsidered. The manager now believes that keeping an experienced international like Bento is crucial for Al-Nassr’s title ambitions, at least until a high-level replacement can be scouted in the summer.
A Career in Decline?
Despite regaining his starting spot, the numbers tell a worrying story for the former Athletico Paranaense star:
- Market Value Hit: Signed for €18 million in 2024, Bento’s value has plummeted to just €9 million according to Transfermarkt.
- International Struggle: Once a rising star for the Seleção, Bento has recently lost his place as Brazil’s third-choice goalkeeper to Flamengo’s Hugo Souza.
Season Stats at a Glance
Bento’s current campaign has been a mix of highs and lows. Across 17 appearances for club and country:
- Matches Played: 15 (Al-Nassr), 2 (Brazil).
- Goals Conceded: 11 total.
- Contract Status: Secured until June 2028.
While Bento will likely remain the first-choice keeper through June, his long-term future in the Middle East remains clouded in uncertainty. A strong performance in the AFC Champions League could be his last chance to reignite interest from European clubs.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
