Cristiano Ronaldo turns 40 on Wednesday but is showing few signs of slowing down as he prepares to lead Saudi club Al-Nassr against Al-Wasl in the Asian Football Confederation’s Champions League Elite.
The Portuguese star, who signed for the Riyadh club in December 2022, leads the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 15 goals in 17 games.
If Ronaldo can reproduce that form in the continental tournament — there are two games remaining in the group stage, from which his team has already qualified — then Al-Nassr has a chance to become Asian champion for the first time.
“The best birthday gift for Ronaldo is to achieve victory against Al-Wasl,” Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli said ahead of the Monday meeting. “It is an important match for us and we want the three points.”
After winning the UEFA Champions League five times with Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s chances of winning a first Asian title have been bolstered with Al-Nassr’s signing of Jhon Duran from English Premier League club Aston Villa for a reported fee of around USD 79 million last week.
According to reports in Saudi Arabia, Duran has already been registered in time to play against Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates. “Duran is in good shape,” Pioli said. “We will decide how best to use him.”
The team will certainly be without former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who is absent for personal reasons. There are also injury issues for another defender, Ali Lajami, as well as Portuguese midfielder Otavio.
Al-Nassr is in third place in the 12-team group, behind Saudi rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, both unbeaten after six games.
Al-Hilal has won four continental titles, more than any other Asian club. The Blues have lost Neymar ahead of their match against Persepolis of Iran. Brazil’s record scorer returned to South America last week after an injury-hit spell of just seven appearances in 18 months for Al-Hilal.
“We are looking forward to the game,” coach Jorge Jesus said. “Our ambitions are always to win at home and in Asia.”
Al-Ahli, with former English Premier League stars such as Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney, has the offensive strength to win the Champions League for the first time. The Jeddah club, currently second, heads to Qatar to take on Al-Sadd.
All 12 teams in the western zone — the tournament is split into two geographic halves until the quarterfinals — are in with a chance of finishing in the top eight and progressing to the knockout stage.
The eastern zone resumes next week.
The AFC Champions League is heating up as the 2024-25 season kicks off, and all eyes are on one player in particular – Cristiano Ronaldo. The footballing legend is set to make his debut in the prestigious tournament before celebrating his 40th birthday later this year.
Ronaldo, who is known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and unmatched work ethic, will be looking to lead his team to victory in the competition. Despite his age, the Portuguese superstar shows no signs of slowing down and continues to impress fans and critics alike with his performances on the pitch.
Having dominated European football for so many years, Ronaldo now has his sights set on conquering the Asian stage with his new team. With his wealth of experience and winning mentality, he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC Champions League.
Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating Ronaldo’s debut in the tournament, and many are excited to see what he will bring to the table. Will he be able to lead his team to glory and add another trophy to his already impressive collection? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for ACL action before his 40th birthday.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has said Real Madrid must “look after” Kylian Mbappé and advised that the star forward must “do things his way” as he looks to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps as a legend at the Bernabéu.
Mbappé has already scored 22 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign at Madrid, having faced criticism for his performances earlier in the season.
Ronaldo — who is Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals — was Mbappé’s childhood hero, and famously posed for a photo with Mbappé when the youngster first went on trial at the club as a teenager.
“Look after the lad,” Ronaldo urged, in an extract from an interview with Spanish TV show El Chiringuito, due to be broadcast in full on Monday. “The fans need to look after him. He’s very good. The club have to help to protect him, I have no doubt he’ll bring a lot of joy to Madrid fans.
“I love [Mbappé], not just because of his story as a kid, how he loved Cristiano, I was his idol,” Ronaldo said. “I think he’s a top player.”
Ronaldo revealed he now tunes in to watch Real Madrid’s games because his son, Mateo, is a fan of Mbappé.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he feels Mbappé still needs some help in adjusting to his role in the Real Madrid team.
“It’s complicated, because he doesn’t know how to play as a forward in my opinion — or rather, it’s not that he doesn’t know, but it isn’t his position,” Ronaldo said. “If I was at Madrid, I’d show him how to play as a number nine.
“I wasn’t a forward. I got used to it, but I was a winger. People forget that. I was a forward, but not a typical forward. I think [Mbappé] shouldn’t be a typical forward, he should do things his way.”
Mbappé has already won two trophies with Madrid, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and scored as Madrid were humbled 5-2 by Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa last month.
Madrid now face a testing few weeks, playing Leganés in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal before a Madrid Derby with Atlético Madrid on Saturday and then facing Manchester City in their Champions League knockout stage playoff.
As one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. And with rumors swirling that Real Madrid are interested in signing Kylian Mbappé, the Portuguese superstar has some advice for his potential new teammate: be yourself.
In a recent interview, Ronaldo emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of pressure and expectations. He spoke about his own experiences as a young player trying to make a name for himself at Sporting Lisbon and later at Manchester United, stressing the importance of staying focused and not letting outside influences dictate his game.
Ronaldo believes that Mbappé, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world, has the potential to become one of the all-time greats. But in order to reach his full potential, the French forward must be allowed to express himself on the field without feeling the need to live up to anyone else’s standards.
Real Madrid, with its rich history of success and star-studded lineup, can be an intimidating environment for a young player like Mbappé. But Ronaldo’s message is clear: embrace the pressure, but don’t let it change who you are as a player.
If Mbappé can heed Ronaldo’s advice and stay true to himself, there’s no limit to what he can achieve in the game. And with Ronaldo’s guidance, the sky is the limit for the talented young forward.
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as won the Ballon d’Or award for the 7th time
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for the 7th time in his career. The Portuguese superstar has had an incredible year, leading his team to victory in both domestic and international competitions.
Ronaldo’s outstanding performances on the field, combined with his unmatched work ethic and dedication to the sport, have solidified his place among the footballing elite. His ability to continually elevate his game and deliver exceptional results year after year is a testament to his talent and drive for success.
As Ronaldo celebrates yet another Ballon d’Or win, fans and critics alike are in awe of his remarkable achievements and enduring legacy in the world of football. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo on this well-deserved honor, and may he continue to inspire and amaze us with his incredible skills for years to come.
#Cristiano #Ronaldo,ronaldo 38 degree
The Knights of Najd will play away from home in a league match tonight.
This season, the chase for the crown has become even more daunting for Al-Nassr. The Knights of Najd are still far behind even though Stefano Pioli’s team defeated Al Fateh 3-1 at Al-Awwal Park in their most recent top-flight match, making it three wins in four games this year.
With 35 points from 17 games, the Riyadh-based squad is now ranked fourth, eight points behind both Al-Hilal and Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad.
They have dominated their opponents in all eight of their away games this season, scoring at least three goals in four of those games and recording ten goals in their past three visits to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Given the hosts’ dismal performance and the visitors’ eight-game winning streak over the home squad, Al-Nassr will be confident in their chances of winning the game for the third time in a row tonight.
With the title race becoming challenging for Al-Nassr, their other objective is to remain in the top four. As of now, they are fourth in the league two points behind the third place and eight adrift of both second and first place.
However, if Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad go on a few-match losing streak then Al-Nassr’s title hopes could be reignited once again. But it should be tough given that they (Al-Hilal & Al-Ittihad) haven’t shown any sign of weakness so far into the season.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play tonight?
Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored three goals in the last two matches should be once again ready to lead his side’s attacking line. Ronaldo has been in terrific form since the start of the new year. He has already scored 14 goals in just 16 matches in the league this season.
He will be ready to take on the pitch when Al-Nassr play Al-Raed tonight. It appears the Al-Nassr are growing confident with each game that has seen them eke out positive results. If they continue to do so and hope that their rivals lose points it will certainly put them in the title race once again. This can be said despite the eight-point difference between them and the first place.
Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s primary objective will be to help his side win tonight’s match and close the gap.
As fans eagerly await the highly-anticipated match between Al-Nassr and Al Raed in the Saudi Pro League tonight, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: will Cristiano Ronaldo take the field for Al-Nassr?
Speculation has been rife about the possibility of the footballing superstar making his debut for the Saudi Arabian club, with rumors swirling that a deal may have been struck behind the scenes. Ronaldo’s presence would undoubtedly add a new level of excitement and star power to the match, drawing in fans from around the world to witness his magic on the pitch.
However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from either Al-Nassr or Ronaldo’s camp about his participation in tonight’s game. Will we see Ronaldo donning the Al-Nassr jersey and dazzling fans with his skills, or will he remain on the sidelines for now? Only time will tell.
Regardless of whether Ronaldo plays or not, tonight’s match promises to be an exhilarating showdown between two top teams in the Saudi Pro League. Stay tuned for updates and keep your eyes peeled for any last-minute announcements regarding Ronaldo’s potential appearance. The excitement is palpable, and the anticipation is building – don’t miss out on what could be a historic moment in Saudi Arabian football.
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Jhon Durán vuelve a estar en el radar de varios equipos en el tramo final del mercado de pases en Europa y, si bien ha perdido lugar en Aston Villa, el delantero fue importante en lo que va de la temporada. ¿Se mudará a Al Nassr?
El delantero colombiano no lo ha hecho nada mal en lo que va del 2024-25. Durante varios partidos se ganó la confianza de Emery y la titularidad a base de goles, pero su expulsión ante Newcastle parecería haberlo enviado nuevamente al primer casillero del tablero.
Comenzó el 2025 en el banco de relevos e ingresando un puñado de minutos, dejándole a Watkins el rol de titular.
Con un mercado de invierno que está llegando a su final en Europa, los rumores no paran de llegar y ahora se habría sumado el interés de Al Nassr en contratar al joven delantero de Colombia.
Según pudo aportar Fabrizio Romano, el equipo de Cristiano Ronaldo salió al mercado en busca de un jugador para poder suplir la salida de Talisca, contratado por Fenerbahce.
Ya sin el brasileño, Romano agregó que Al Nassr tendría como principal objetivo a Víctor Boniface, jugador de Bayer Leverkusen, y la delegación del equipo árabe ya estaría en Alemania para intentar negociar.
Sumado a esto, el especialista en mercado de pases agregó que Jhon Durán también es una alternativa seria, siendo el colombiano una de las ‘prioridades’ en la lista de Al Nassr.
Aston Villa no tendría interés en desprenderse de Durán y Emery repitió en múltiples oportunidades que lo considera un gran proyecto para seguir creciendo en la Liga de Inglaterra.
¿Qué pasará con Jhon Durán?
En los últimos días, se ha especulado mucho sobre la posible llegada de Cristiano Ronaldo al Al Nassr en el año 2025. Sin embargo, una noticia que ha tomado por sorpresa a muchos es la posibilidad de que el talentoso mediocampista Jhon Durán se una al equipo saudí para formar una dupla letal junto al astro portugués.
Durán, conocido por su habilidad en el campo y su capacidad para marcar goles desde cualquier posición, ha despertado el interés de varios equipos de élite en Europa. Sin embargo, parece que Al Nassr está dispuesto a hacer una oferta tentadora para asegurarse los servicios del joven jugador colombiano.
Si esta dupla se concretara, sin duda sería un sueño hecho realidad para los aficionados del Al Nassr. Con la experiencia y liderazgo de Cristiano Ronaldo, combinado con la juventud y talento de Jhon Durán, el equipo saudí podría convertirse en una fuerza imparable en el fútbol mundial.
¿Será esta la dupla que llevará al Al Nassr a la gloria en el 2025? Solo el tiempo lo dirá, pero sin duda sería emocionante ver a estos dos jugadores brillar juntos en el terreno de juego. ¡Estaremos atentos a cualquier novedad sobre esta posible dupla en Al Nassr!
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Cristiano Ronaldocontinues to deliver for AlNassr. The Portuguese superstar found the back of the net twice to give his team the victory 3-1 against Al Khaleej during Matchday 16 of the Saudi Pro League.
With this crucial victory, Al Nassr moves into third place, keeping their title aspirations alive as the season heats up. Ronaldo’s performance underscores his pivotal role in the squad’s pursuit of league glory.
Following Al Hamsal’s first-half red card for Al Khaleej, Al Nassr kept the pressure on throughout the match. The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a brilliant backheel assist from his compatriot Otávio.
Cristiano Ronaldo secured the victory for Al Nassr with his second goal of the match. The play was set up by Haqawi, who ran down the field before delivering an easy assist to the Portuguese star, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, scoring Al Nassr’s third and final goal to cap off a commanding performance.
With these goals, Cristiano Ronaldo reached an incredible 919 career goals, moving closer to his ultimate target of 1,000. The strike also marked his 19th goal for Al Nassr this season and surpassed Aleksandar Mitrović as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, with 13 goals.
¡GOL DE CRISTIANO RONALDO! CR7 anota el primer gol de su equipo. #SPLenFOX
¡OTRO MÁS PARA CRISTIANO RONALDO! Segundo gol del portugués para sentenciar el triunfo de su equipo. #SPLenFOX
see also
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly set to sign massive extension with Al Nassr ahead of 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo’s huge impact at Al Nassr
Despite not securing an official title with Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s individual brilliance continues to leave a mark in Saudi football. The Portuguese star has reached an impressive milestone of 101 goal contributions in just 92 matches for the club, tallying 83 goals and 18 assists since his arrival.
While Ronaldo’s prolific scoring has been undeniable, team success has remained elusive. He has finished as a runner-up in four major tournaments with Al Nassr: the Saudi SuperCup, the King’sCup, and twice in the Saudi Pro League. His only silverware came in the Arab Club Champions Cup, a competition not officially recognized by the AFC or FIFA.
Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, specializing in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he made his initial strides as a writer. Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like Roland Garros. His ability to report on real-time events and write under pressure has established him as a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA. Gianni earned his degree in Communication from Deportea in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In a thrilling match in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo showed once again why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Portuguese superstar scored a brace to lead Al Nassr to a 2-1 victory over Al Khaleej.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a powerful header from a corner kick. Al Khaleej equalized just before halftime, but Ronaldo would have the final say in the match.
In the 78th minute, Ronaldo received a pass inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to secure the win for Al Nassr.
With this victory, Al Nassr maintains their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, while Ronaldo continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess.
Watch the highlights of Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace in the video below:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will be jetting off for an away game to Dammam. The upcoming Saudi Pro League features Al Nassr against Al Khaleej, as Ronaldo’s men will look to revive themselves. The past few matches have been a rollercoaster ride for the side as they have faced losses and also picked up wins, failing to maintain consistency. Al-Nassr would be eager to pick a win and begin their winning arc in the SPL standings. However, Al Khaleej would jot back down, as they look to give some competition to their opposition. Take a look at all the details, including the timing and live streaming information.
Al Khaleej vs Al Nassr Live Streaming: Check Time, Venue, Predicted Line-ups
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight?
Cristiano Ronaldo looks fit and will be ready for action when Al Nassr faced Al Khaleej in Saudi Pro League action.
When Will The Al Khaleej vs Al Nassr Match Match Take Place?
The match between Al Khaleej and Al Nassr is going to take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The match is expected to kick off at 08:20 PM IST.
Where Will The Al Khaleej vs Al Nassr Match Match Take Place?
The Al Khaleej vs Al Nassr Saudi Pro League match would take place at Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
The highly anticipated match between Al Khaleej and Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in this exciting match-up.
With Al Nassr currently sitting at the top of the league table and Al Khaleej looking to climb up the ranks, this game is sure to be an intense battle on the field. And the presence of a global superstar like Ronaldo would only add to the excitement.
For those unable to make it to the stadium, there will be live streaming available for the match. Fans can tune in to catch all the action and see if Ronaldo will be making an appearance.
So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this thrilling match-up in the Saudi Pro League. Will Cristiano Ronaldo play? Tune in to find out!
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Ronaldo could represent Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.
Former Manchester United player has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to join one of the Major League Soccer clubs, play against Lionel Messi and represent Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as he has six months left in his Al-Nassr deal.
Even though he is getting close to turning 40, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is anticipated to attend the event, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The all-time great is upholding remarkable standards.
The extension of Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr, a Saudi Pro League team, for an additional year has been discussed. The contract is reportedly for €200 million (£168 million/$206 million) over 12 months. Playing in an unprecedented sixth World Cup won’t be the end, the prolific goalscorer may choose to continue playing beyond that.
Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke thinks Cristiano might be persuaded to join MLS and compete with his longtime rival. The 1999 Treble winner told Coin Casino:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is an extremist and one of, if not the greatest player of all time. Ronaldo is doing everything he can to extend his career, he’s defying the odds the play as long as possible. Ronaldo has a few months left on his contract, he may decide to extend his contract in the Saudi Pro League, he’s still a top scorer there and is still one of the highest scorers in the world.”
“I won’t rule out Ronaldo going to the MLS, with the World Cup coming there, it may be another opportunity for him to feature in Portugal’s squad and potentially win the competition. If he makes the team, I could see him staying in America and play against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.”
Ronaldo will continue to play for as long as possible because he has made it clear that he wants to reach 1,000 goals before thinking about retiring. Although Messi has not yet seen Inter Miami trigger an extension option for 2026, hence just like Ronaldo the Argentine’s future is also uncertain at the Herons.
There have been rumblings in the soccer world that Cristiano Ronaldo could potentially make a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the near future, with speculation growing that he could join forces with his long-time rival Lionel Messi in the United States.
Ronaldo, who currently plays for Juventus in Italy, has been linked with a move to MLS for some time now, with many believing that the 36-year-old superstar could be tempted by the prospect of a new challenge in the States. And with Messi recently making the move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after leaving Barcelona, the idea of the two legends facing off against each other in MLS has sparked excitement among fans.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, the idea of Ronaldo and Messi plying their trade in the same league is certainly tantalizing. Both players have dominated the world of soccer for over a decade, and the prospect of them facing off in the States would undoubtedly draw huge crowds and generate immense interest.
Whether or not Ronaldo will actually make the move to MLS remains to be seen, but the possibility of him joining forces with Messi in the United States is certainly an intriguing one. Fans will have to wait and see if this dream scenario becomes a reality, but for now, the prospect of seeing two of the greatest players of all time go head-to-head in MLS is certainly an exciting one to ponder.
Al-Nassr are residing at the third spot in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 standings. Al-Nassr fans are always hoping that their side will step up and overtake the long dominance established by Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League over the years. Last season, Al-Nassr ended in the second spot and Al-Hilal won the Saudi Pro League title because there was a whole lot of difference in the points. This time also Al-Hilal are leading the Saudi Pro League standings followed by Al-Ittihad on the second spot with similar points. ‘Dont Listen to Cristiano! Ligue 1 is Better’ A Message From Lionel Messi; Olympique Lyonnais Comes Up With Unique Way To Introduce New Signing Thiago Almada.
Even after the addition of a new head coach from Europe, Al-Nassr does not feel like a strong team. Although they have added some great players to their squad in the past couple of years still they are way behind Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Al-Nassr is set to face Al-Taawoun next in the Saudi Pro League 2024-25 season. Stefano Pioli and Al-Nassr will be keen on securing three points which can turn out to be vital going further. Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane are in good form so Al-Nassr will not be worried much when it comes to the attacking front. They still have to work on their defence as opponents tend to find open spaces due to which Al-Nassr turn their matches into a win.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight in Al-Taawoun vs Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League 2024–25 Match?
Ronaldo is close on reaching the 1000-goal mark. If he reaches this milestone which at this pace he will, Ronaldo will also be the only one to achieve the milestone. No other player has scored 1000 goals in their career.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2025 01:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Al-Taawoun is set to face off against Al-Nassr in a crucial Saudi Pro League match tonight, and all eyes are on whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be taking the field for his team. The superstar forward has been a key player for Al-Taawoun this season, but recent reports suggest that he may be rested for this match.
There are a few factors that could influence Ronaldo’s participation in tonight’s game. Firstly, the 39-year-old has been dealing with a slight muscle strain in recent weeks, which could see him being given a rest to prevent further injury. Additionally, with Al-Taawoun comfortably leading the league table, the coaching staff may opt to rotate their squad and give some younger players a chance to shine.
However, Ronaldo is known for his relentless work ethic and desire to compete in every match, so there is still a possibility that he could feature in the starting XI tonight. If he does play, fans can expect to see the footballing legend bring his trademark skills and goal-scoring prowess to the pitch.
Regardless of whether Ronaldo plays or not, tonight’s match promises to be an exciting one as Al-Taawoun looks to extend their lead at the top of the table. Stay tuned to see if CR7 will make an appearance and make an impact in this important Saudi Pro League clash.
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Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Taawoun vs Al-Nassr, Saudi Pro League, 2024-25, CR7, Starting XI, Possibility, Match, Football
Cristiano Ronaldo is considering a move away from Al Nassr as he continues his quest for 1,000 career goals while Manchester United‘s hunt for defensive reinforcements includes United States international Antonee Robinson. Join us for the latest transfer news, gossip, and rumors from around the globe.
– Cristiano Ronaldo is “open to new challenges” in 2025, according to Marca. The superstar forward’s contract at Al Nassr is due to expire in June, meaning he is free to negotiate with clubs outside the Saudi Pro League from Jan. 1. According to the story on Marca’s front page the Portugal captain does not want to leave the Riyadh club without winning the league title, but embarking on a new “project” in another league cannot be ruled out. One thing that is for sure is that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, who turns 40 in February, is not thinking about retirement as he has the tally of 1,000 career goals in his sights.
– Manchester United could begin the January transfer window by making bids for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, according to the Mirror and Mail respectively. Left-back Robinson, 27, is highly coveted by Liverpool among others, but he could fill a real problem position for United boss Ruben Amorim. Robinson added another assist to his growing collection on Sunday during Fulham’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth, and his attacking capabilities could be well suited to Amorim’s style, particularly given Luke Shaw‘s ongoing injury problems. Verbruggen, 22, is Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper, and United’s pursuit suggests Amorim is growing impatient with André Onana. Verbruggen would be available for £30m. United are also considering Royal Antwerp‘s Senne Lammens.
– All talk of Liverpool operating in the transfer market next month revolves around their ability to keep hold of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are all out of contract at the end of the season, but Teamtalk reports the Reds are targeting Alphonso Davies and Jeremie Frimpong in the summer. Bayern Munich full-back Davies is a target for Real Madrid too, but the 24-year-old Canadian could be the ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold, should the 26-year-old Liverpudlian depart for Madrid as rumoured. Davies’ contract comes to an end next summer, and he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from Jan. 1. Frimpong, 24, is contracted to Bayer Leverkusen until 2028 and is also a target for Manchester City. However, Liverpool see the Dutchman as the perfect long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson.
– Real Betis are interested in Manchester United winger Antony, reports ABC. The La Liga club are said to be monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation at Old Trafford, while exploring a potential loan move in January. It is believed that the Red Devils prefer the option of moving him on permanently, but they are open to considering a loan move before looking to offload him next summer. Antony has made no starts in the Premier League so far this season.
– Barcelona are keeping tabs on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, reports Mundo Deportivo. The Blaugrana are reported to be exploring the transfer market for players that could be acquired on a free transfer next summer, and they could begin talks with the 31-year-old over a pre contract agreement in January, when his deal at the Emirates Stadium will enter the final six months. Partey has been a key player for the Gunners this season having made 25 appearances across all competitions, but there have been no signs of progress regarding an extension.
EXPERT TAKE
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Vinicius was the rightful Ballon d’Or winner
Cristiano Ronaldo says Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior should’ve beaten Manchester City’s Rodri to the Ballon d’Or award.
What next for Cristiano Ronaldo? The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now 39, will be out of contract at Saudi club Al Nassr next summer. That means from Jan. 1, he’s free to negotiate and sign a pre-contract with another team if he wants to. Ronaldo has made no concrete statements yet about his future plans, but there’ve been enough hints to get an idea of his thinking. For one thing, retirement doesn’t appear to be on the agenda, at least in the short-term. Ronaldo discussed the subject last month, saying that “if it has to happen, in one or two years … As long as I feel motivated, I keep going.”
One source of motivation — and a reason to sign a new deal with Al Nassr — might be to win the Saudi Pro League, something he failed to do in his first two seasons in the Middle East. Al Nassr are currently fourth in the table, 11 points behind leaders Al Ittihad, so there’s no guarantee that he’ll break his duck in 2024-25. And would Ronaldo really want to leave Saudi Arabia without a league title?
The financial package Ronaldo receives in Saudi would be difficult, if not impossible, to match elsewhere. But if — and it’s a big if — those financial considerations could be put aside, there are some alternatives that might prove attractive, like a return to his roots with Sporting Club de Portugal? After that, when the time comes to hang up his boots, Ronaldo reiterated at last week’s Globe Soccer Awards that he’s “never going to be a coach” but left open the possibility of owning a club, if the right opportunity arises.
OTHER RUMORS
– Arsenal target Alexander Isak is willing to remain at Newcastle United is the club qualifies for next season’s Champions League. (The Sun)
– Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is desperate for defensive reinforcements, and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson has emerged as a target if their plans to sign Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell fall through (The Sun)
– Juventus are set to beat Newcastle to the signing of Benfica defender António Silva, after the Premier League club found the financial terms of the deal too difficult to meet. (Daily Mirror)
– Newcastle are monitoring Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov but Premier League rivals Manchester City and Tottenham who are also eyeing the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international. (The Chronicle)
– FC Porto insist that on-loan Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira will remain at the Portuguese club for the rest of the season. (Daily Mirror)
– Real Betis are in talks with Juventus over a loan move for Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo, who is yet to make an appearance this season. (Sport)
– Atlético Madrid will be “spectators” in the January transfer window as the LaLiga leaders have already “done their homework” last summer and believe their squad doesn’t need strengthening. (Marca)
– Newcastle are lining up a £20m January bid for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford but the Championship promotion-chasers will do all they can to not lose him before the summer. (The Sun)
– West Ham United will give manager Julen Lopetegui more time to turn things around despite Sunday’s 5-0 home loss to Liverpool leaving the club 13th in the Premier League table at the midway point of their campaign. (Daily Telegraph)
– Clubs are lining up to sign out-of-form PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani, but Chelsea are the latest side to express interest in landing the 26-year-old. (Footmercato)
– Fiorentina have opened talks with Botafogo over a move for winger Luiz Henrique. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Wolves have placed Lens and Austria international Kevin Danso at the top of their shortlist amid their search for a centre-back in January. (Sky Sports)
– Atletico Madrid have no plans to part ways with midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Girona. (Diario AS)
– Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar is open to joining Galatasaray on loan, with talks between both clubs ongoing. (Sport Italia)
– Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Leicester City are tracking Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, who could be signed with an offer worth in the region of €20 million. (Ekrem Konur)
– Real Madrid want to make Martín Zubimendi their “new Toni Kroos” but the Spanish international remains of interest to several Premier League clubs too. (Diaro AS)
According to recent transfer rumors, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly open to leaving Al Nassr. The Portuguese superstar has been linked with a move away from the Saudi Arabian club, with several European clubs said to be interested in signing him.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in the summer of 2021 after leaving Juventus, but it seems that he could be on the move again this summer. The 36-year-old has been in fine form for the club, scoring goals regularly and helping them to compete at the top of the league.
While Al Nassr are reportedly keen to keep hold of their star player, Ronaldo is said to be considering his options and could be tempted by a return to European football. Clubs such as Manchester United, PSG, and Sporting Lisbon have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the forward.
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will indeed leave Al Nassr this summer, but it seems that the transfer rumors surrounding him are only set to intensify in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Transfer rumors, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, exit news, soccer transfer news, football transfer rumors, Ronaldo transfer update, Al Nassr transfer rumors, Ronaldo latest news, Ronaldo transfer speculation
