Saudis in 'difficult' talks to keep Ronaldo next season: PIF source
Saudi officials are in "difficult" talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar, whose arrival in 2023 heralded a rush of late-career players to the oil-rich country, could transfer to Al Hilal and feature at the upcoming Club World Club, the source said.
"There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play" in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.
"First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli," the source added.
The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.
Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up this week with Al Nassr finishing third and trophy less once again.
A special transfer window opens from June 1-10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the newly expanded Club World Cup to sign players.
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said "there are discussions" over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the tournament in the United States from June 14.
Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in early 2023 from Manchester United and his contract expires at the end of next month.
"Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half.
He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," the PIF source said.
Ronaldo's announcement comes just months after Brazilian star Neymar ended his injury-plagued 18-month stay in January, after playing just seven times for Al Hilal -- on a reported salary of around $104 million a year.
Although Ronaldo was the Pro League's top scorer with 25 goals, he has been unable to win a Saudi or continental trophy with Al Nassr, who lost in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.
Last year, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said he could end his career with Al Nassr, the Riyadh team favoured by a number of Saudi royals.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's great rival Lionel Messi will play at the Club World Cup with Inter Miami.
During a recent interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: "And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. "There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows.
" Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo's move, and the desert nation will host the World Cup in 2034.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
17 hours ago
- Observer
(Stand-Alone) Saudi foreign minister arrives in Syria for talks
DAMASCUS: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud travelled to Damascus on Saturday, where he said his country would be at the forefront of efforts to rebuild Syria. Prince Faisal had landed in the Syrian capital earlier, alongside an economic delegation on a visit to discuss ways to support Syria's war-ravaged economy. "We affirm that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will remain at the vanguard of countries standing by Syria in its path towards reconstruction and economic recovery," Prince Faisal said in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart. Saudi Arabia "will present joint financial support alongside Qatar to public sector workers" in Syria, he added. He said Saudi economic delegations would visit Damascus soon, noting that "work is underway to discuss investment support and economic and trade cooperation" between the two countries. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al Shibani, meanwhile, expressed his country's thanks "for the role Saudi Arabia has played, particularly on the lifting of sanctions" by the United States. The two countries "have entered a strong stage of joint investment and economic cooperation", he said. — AFP
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Real Madrid pay fee to sign Liverpool's Trent before Club World Cup
Real Madrid: Real Madrid have signed Trent Alexander-Arnold on a six-year deal, the LaLiga club said on Friday, paying Liverpool a fee to release the England defender from his contract a month early to allow him to join before the Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold, who joined Liverpool when he was six and made 354 appearances for the Premier League side since his senior debut in 2016, said earlier this month he would leave the club once his contract expired on June 30. However, Real have signed Alexander-Arnold before his Liverpool contract ended, making him available for the Club World Cup to be played from June 14-July 13 in the United States. "Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1," Liverpool said in a statement, with British media reporting Real paid the Premier League champions 10 million pounds ($13.48 million). Newly-appointed Real coach Xabi Alonso will hope Alexander-Arnold's inclusion solves the club's defensive woes, with right back Daniel Carvajal among five defenders out with injuries. Real, who failed to defend their LaLiga and Champions League titles this season, played winger Lucas Vazquez at right back for most of the campaign due to the injury crisis. With 33-year-old Carvajal entering the twilight of his career, Alexander-Arnold will be seen as part of Real's succession plan. Alexander-Arnold, who can also play in midfield, scored 23 goals and provided 92 assists for Liverpool in his senior career. He has scored four goals for England. Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best right backs in the world, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with the English team. The 26-year-old frequently played in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool in recent seasons, operating as a full back when out of possession but moving into midfield during attacks. The Liverpool-born player bid a tearful farewell to his boyhood club as he collected his second Premier League winner's medal on Sunday, having also helped the club previously win the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Club World Cup. "Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes," Liverpool added. He joins England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, a club that has signed famous Englishmen in the past like Steve McManaman, David Beckham and Michael Owen. — Reuters
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Allegri returns to AC Milan as head coach for second time
Milan: AC Milan appointed Massimiliano Allegri as the new head coach on Friday, a day after sacking Sergio Conceicao, with the Italian tasked with transforming the struggling club into title contenders again in his second stint. Allegri will replace the Portuguese coach who came in mid-season to help them win the Italian Super Cup but was sacked after the club ultimately failed to qualify for any European competition after a disappointing eighth-placed finish. Their final game of the season, a 2-0 home win over Monza, was overshadowed by fan protests against the club ownership and hierarchy. Milan did not mention the length of Allegri's contract. The 57-year-old's first stint lasted three-and-a-half seasons where he took charge in 178 games before he was sacked when the club found themselves 30 points behind leaders Juve in January 2014. The Italian will also have to wait to take charge of his team in an official game as he has not finished serving a suspension after being sent off in his last game for Juve in May 2024. Juve won the Coppa Italia beating Atalanta in the final but Allegri sent off towards the end of the game for his fierce protests over refereeing decisions, a reason Juve cited for his dismissal. Milan, who started the season with Paulo Fonseca in charge before Conceicao took over, finished 13th in the new Champions League group stage before they were knocked out by Dutch side Feyenoord in the knockout phase playoffs. Conceicao's side nearly salvaged their season with a Coppa Italia run but lost in the final where Bologna won 1-0 to end a 51-year trophy drought and also qualify for the Europa League. Seven-times winners of the Champions League, Milan have not won the competition since their last triumph in the 2006-07 season while their last Scudetto came in the 2021-22 campaign. Allegri, who previously guided Milan to a Serie A title in the 2010-11 season, last managed Juventus. The Italian won five league titles and five Coppa Italia trophies with Juve in two separate stints while also guiding them to two Champions League finals. — Reuters
