Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly received a proposal from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal to rival an earlier bid made by their domestic rivals Al Nassr.
The Portuguese superstar ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last week, following his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan. However, any decision on a new club is unlikely to be swift as he has switched fully to international mode and is aiming to break multiple different World Cup records.
It appears increasingly likely that Ronaldo will no longer continue to play in European football. Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs to rule themselves out of the running alongside Bayern Munich, while Ronaldo's former club Sporting Lisbon have also distanced themselves from making a move. Real Madrid – where the striker is the all-time club record scorer – also have no interest in a sensational return for Ronaldo.
That has left the door open for interest from Saudi Arabia. The nation’s Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal has now spoken publicly about the nation’s ambitions to bring both superstars into their domestic game. "Who wouldn't want him to play in their league?" Prince Abdulaziz told Sky News. "He's a role model to a lot of young players - him and Messi."
Interest from Al Nassr had already been established as they had already submitted an offer to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes. Over the duration of that contract offer, Ronaldo would have played past his 40 th birthday, the veteran would earn £172.9million per year - an amount that would not be feasible for any European or MLS clubs interested in a move for the striker, split between his playing contract and marketing obligations.
However, Al Nassr’s Riyadh rivals Al Hilal have now also reportedly joined the race – as cited by the Express. The two are the most successful clubs in Saudi Arabian football, with Al Hilal’s 18 league titles well ahead of their capital rival’s nine crowns.
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Al Hilal’s playing staff includes former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo, Luciano Vietto – formerly of Atletico Madrid – and former Porto striker Moussa Marega. Al Nassr’s ranks include Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar and former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.
Al Hilal are ready to pay big money to get a deal over the line and ensure their city rivals do not secure the superstar’s services. It now appears to be a battle between the two clubs as to who can put together a stronger financial package.
Ronaldo was the highest paid player in the Premier League prior to his departure last week and once Portugal exit the World Cup, his focus will be on signing with a new club at the earliest possible opportunity.
