Latest news with #SaudiProLeague
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Al-Nassr following fresh agreement
Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Al-Nassr following fresh agreement Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to sign a new two-year contract with Saudi Pro League (SPL) club Al-Nassr, according to Foot Mercato. There were rumours about Ronaldo joining Saudi rivals Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli, which intensified after he posted a cryptic message on Twitter. The post raised doubts about whether he would continue with Al-Nassr beyond this season. Advertisement However, Ronaldo is set to extend his stay at Al-Nassr until 2027. This new contract would keep him in Saudi Arabia beyond his 42nd birthday. Ronaldo ends the season as the top scorer but without a trophy The former Real Madrid star had another strong season in front of goal, bagging 35 goals and four assists across all competitions. Ronaldo finished the league season with 25 goals in 30 matches. He won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot for the second year running. Despite his individual success, Al-Nassr endured a disappointing campaign. The club finished third in the league, falling short in their pursuit of the title. Advertisement They were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League by Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale and missed out on the Saudi Super Cup and the King's Cup. Despite this, the Portuguese forward's commitment to the project appears strong. His goal return remains impressive, and he continues to deliver at a decent level. If the deal goes through as expected, SPL fans can look forward to watching Ronaldo for another two years. His continued presence in the league will also help maintain global interest in the SPL.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Bruno Fernandes sends cryptic 11-word message with Man Utd future in doubt after ‘making promise to fan'
MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has left fans baffled after leaving an 11-word cryptic message on social media. The Portuguese midfielder is being eyed by Saudi Pro League side 4 Bruno Fernandes has been the best Man United player in the last two seasons Credit: PA 4 Bruno looked to have promised a fan he would stay at United 4 The Man United captain could not stop them losing to Spurs in the Europa League final Credit: Getty SunSport understand that the Saudi club is looking to pay around £100million for his services and Fernandes' recent social media posts have left fans scratching their heads. He posted on his Instagram story: "Se voce tentou e falhou, parabens! Tem gente que nem tenta" This translate to: "If you tried and failed, congratulations! There are people who don't even try." The post has left fans thinking he could leave with one fan reacting to it by saying: "In the context I'm putting it in my head it sounds like he's leaving. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS "Literally means he tried his best and still failed at United." Another United fan said: "I tried to win trophies and I did it, congratulations! Some don't even have one in their last five seasons, we will miss you Then a third fan under his post said: "Another great midfielder who failed to win things at Manchester United." BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Most read in Football 4 The original message on Fernandes' Instagram story His post comes hours after another message on social media saw a fan ask him not to leave and he pinky promised him that he would stay at the club. Fernandes has reportedly been given a week to decide whether to leave Ruben Amorim vows 'good days are coming' after 'disaster season' as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology But Al-Hilal are set to compete in the Fifa Club World Cup and are keen to make an impact with a game against Real Madrid coming up. United would ideally want to keep their captain and main man but £100m could help them rebuild the squad. They failed to qualify for the Champions League and finished 15th in the in the league in what is one of the most disappointing campaigns of recent time. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Ittihad wins King's Cup to complete domestic double
JEDDAH, May 31: Al-Ittihad added the King's Cup to its Saudi Pro League triumph, defeating Al-Qadisiyah 3-1 in front of 51,331 fans at Al-Enma Stadium, completing a historic domestic double. Having secured the league title just days earlier, Al-Ittihad lifted the King's Cup for the first time since 2018, when it also won 3-1 over Al-Faisaly at the same venue. The victory was powered by French striker Karim Benzema, who scored twice (34', 90+4'), while Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar added a third in the 43rd minute. Al-Qadisiyah's lone goal came from a penalty by Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (45+6). The team later went down to ten men after Argentine Ezequiel Fernandez received a second yellow card in the 81st minute. The title marks Al-Ittihad's 10th King's Cup win and grants its international stars—Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho—a historic milestone in their club careers. According to Opta, Benzema secured the second domestic double of his career, the first being with Lyon in the 2007–08 season. Kanté and Fabinho, meanwhile, celebrated their first domestic double despite previous success in European and international competitions. Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn also played a key role in the team's successful season, contributing goals and assists. However, his achievements in Saudi Arabia came amid ongoing tensions with Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who left him out of the national squad following his transfer to the Saudi league. Bergwijn, excluded throughout the season, criticized Koeman's handling of the situation, stating last September: "I don't want to play under this coach again. He disrespected me and never gave me a chance to explain myself." Following the double triumph, Bergwijn further addressed the issue, telling TV reporters: "Playing for the Netherlands is an honor, but the support from Al-Ittihad fans means more to me right now. My focus is here." Although rumors persist about a possible return to the national team, Bergwijn's strained relationship with Koeman and continued criticism of the coach may complicate any comeback.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd fans left with no doubts after Bruno Fernandes' cryptic message
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes could be set for a mega-money departure from Old Trafford as Al-Hilal attempt to persuade the Portugal star to complete a transfer Manchester United supporters have been left convinced that Bruno Fernandes is on his way OUT following a social media post from the club captain. Fernandes appeared to drop a hint over his future by delivering a cryptic message on his Instagram. The United talisman, who has offered a rare spark of life for the club in a dismal season, is understood to have been set a deadline by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal to decide over a switch. The Middle East club are willing to pay £100million to land Fernandes in addition to a package worth a reported £200million over three years for the player. On more than one occasion, Fernandes has noted he would leave Old Trafford if United desire his departure to cash in. And now he has posted Portuguese quote on his social media account on Saturday afternoon which translates to: 'If you tried and failed, congratulations! There are people who don't even try.' In the current climate, it certainly could be taken that the 30-year-old may have given up on his attempts to find success with the 13-times Premier League champions. Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, has been in Riyadh for talks there is said to be growing optimism that a deal could be achieved. United boss Ruben Amorim has indicated that he would like the midfielder to stay, and hinted that his captain would also like to remain. Asked if the Portugal midfielder had played his final game for the club, the 40-year-old responded: 'I don't think so. I don't know for sure, nobody knows, but I don't think so. "I think he's seeing us taking some actions to change things and that's all he asks. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things, but that shows he wants to win. He's really young, he's really good, he needs to be in the best league in the world.' But those words have not offered enough confidence for supporters amid Fernandes' latest action. A number believe the veteran will soon make his exit. "He's gone," said one fan on X. "Been agreed for days now. Dont blame him tho. Why would he want to stay with these lot. He Deserves better! We will miss him hugely n his doubters will regret ever doubting him." "He's gone. He tried at Utd. Failed," added another. "He's saying he's moving on. It's done." One supporter on Reddit agreed: "He's gone. Tried but couldn't save the club." Another added: "He's leaving. He tried his very best throughout his time with us, and gave it his all, but it wasn't enough. And there are many our players who didn't even try, or give it their all, or did their best, or display the same commitment and drive that he has." 'Well, it was a privilege watching you play cap. I think this might be it," said a further reddit user. "Sounds like he's leaving," another said. "Nothing wrong with providing his family with generational wealth. Who knows, this might be a blessing in disguise." United legend Paul Scholes believes the Red Decils have to take the offer. The former midfielder believes that Fernandes' departure could aid Amorim in some respects. "They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that," he told The Overlap Fan Debate. "I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position? "Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder? He almost confuses the whole system. I mean, he has been brilliant, don't get me wrong. But when you're getting £100m for him, you snap your hands and take it."
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'Snap their hands off' - Scholes urges Man Utd to sell Fernandes in £100m deal
Bruno Fernandes is being chased by Saudi outfit Al Hilal over a potential £100m move this summer and Paul Scholes believes Manchester United should take the money if the Middle East outfit put in a bid Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes the club "cannot say no" to a £100million bid for Bruno Fernandes amid interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. United's captain has been by far the team's best player in a miserable season that saw them finish 15 in the Premier League and there is now speculation he could depart. Fernandes managed 19 goals and 16 assists as United's shining light, leading them to the Europa League final but being unable to inspire them to victory as they were beaten by Tottenham. The 30-year-old is said to be "seriously considering" a move to Saudi which would hand him a massive £200m contract to play in the Middle East. His agent has reportedly held talks with Al Hilal chiefs, who are hoping to have him in their squad in time for the Club World Cup in the United States this summer. Scholes, a vocal critic of his former side, believes United should "snap their hands off" if Al Hilal offer £100m. He feels Fernandes has been "brilliant" but his lack of a clear position "confuses the whole system". "They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that," he told The Overlap Fan Debate. "I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position? "Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder? He almost confuses the whole system. I mean, he has been brilliant, don't get me wrong. But when you're getting £100m for him, you snap your hands and take it." Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher agreed and felt Fernandes didn't have a defined role in Amorim's team, comparing him to a "kid in the school yard". "I've always described Bruno Fernandes as a great talent but not a great player," Carragher said. "Where does he play? "He's a bit mad in that he just runs all over the place, like a kid in the school yard. "The best player in the school yard doing everything but in a really poor team. I don't think he's ever had any discipline in those No.10 positions." Amorim has been insistent he doesn't want to lose Fernandes and has tipped the Portuguese playmaker to spearhead the team's revival. He said: "We've talked about this many times. You can see by his [Bruno Fernandes'] performances. You can see by his leadership. "You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do it because he is the captain."
