Aheed Abrar
Saudi outfit Al Hilal join race to sign Portugal and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo
Another club from Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal, have joined the race for Portugal and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old has been approached by the Riyadh-based club.
Al Nassr are one of the side’s in the Middle Eastern country that have already offered the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a lucrative deal. Now, their local rivals are eyeing the former Real Madrid player as well.
Speaking on his YouTube channel (h/t The Sun), transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed Al Hilal’s interest. However, the Saudi outfit do not have the means to sign the 37-year-old in January and propose a summer switch.
“There is another club that wants Cristiano Ronaldo. This club is Al Hilal. It’s true that Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by people close to Al Hilal. People at the club are prepared to make another important and crazy proposal.
“There is one interesting point though. I am told Al Hilal are not able to sign players in January. They will only be able to sign players in the summer. That’s why at the moment it is complicated.”
The Portuguese recently made an untimely exit from United after his contract was terminated. At the moment, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is with his national side.
Portugal have made it to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. Os Navegadores have won the first two games of Group H against Ghana and Uruguay. They will face South Korea next on Friday (2 November).
Bruno Fernandes has been in impeccable form for Fernando Santos’ side. The 28-year-old provided two assists in the 3-2 win over the Black Stars and scored two goals against La Celeste.
Ronaldo has been starting regularly for Portugal as well in Qatar. However, things were a bit different for the 37-year-old under Erik ten Hag this season.
The Dutch manager seemed not to prefer the forward. Instead, the former Ajax head coach started the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ahead of the Portuguese great.
More Manchester United News
- David James urges Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to join Manchester United
- Pablo Zabaleta predicts summer move to “big club” for Manchester United target Argentina star Enzo Fernandez
- England star Marcus Rashford determined to stay as Manchester United optimistic about new contract
In the end, Ronaldo’s departure was the best decision for both parties. However, if he does move to a place like Saudi, it will be disappointing not to see the 37-year-old play at the highest level.
