Dávid Hancko (source: REUTERS)
In the Netherlands, reports suggested Dávid Hancko had already left his home in Rotterdam. According to local media, he was on his way to Austria, where he had been introduced to the Al Nassr dressing room and was preparing to join pre-season with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team.
Everything pointed to the deal being done.
The Slovak international had signed documents, Feyenoord had agreed terms, and the €33 million transfer was expected to break records for both club and country. Then – without warning – the deal collapsed.
Instead of completing his move to the Saudi Pro League, Hancko is now back with Feyenoord, travelling to the club’s training camp in Germany. “It’s truly scandalous how a club would treat a player this way. This has never happened before,” said a Feyenoord spokesperson.
What followed was a highly unusual series of events, even by the unpredictable standards of modern football. Despite all sides appearing to agree, Al Nassr never signed the deal. The Saudi club, whose internal structure is increasingly shaped by Cristiano Ronaldo and his circle, reportedly pulled out, citing “better options” in Hancko’s position.
It is not the first time. In January, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface found himself in a similar situation – a completed medical, verbal agreements, and then nothing.
For Hancko, who is under contract with Feyenoord until 2028, the collapse is a blow – but not a disaster. He remains a key figure in Rotterdam and is still seen as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. Juventus and Inter Milan have tracked him before. A new opportunity may not be far off.
