Tag: Saudi Pro League

Liverpool given huge Mohamed Salah boost as new Saudi Pro League stance emerges

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is not in active talks over a move to Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.

The 32-year-old is currently set to become a free agent this summer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

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Salah tops the Premier League’s charts for goals and assists this seasonCredit: Getty

Salah is known to be a key target for Saudi Pro League chiefs, where he would be the latest high-profile player to make the move to the Middle East.

A whopping £150million offer from Al Ittihad in 2023 was swiftly rejected by the Reds for the Egypt international, with fans fearing interest could be renewed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The ex-Chelsea forward has done little to shut down speculation – insisting he is ‘more out than in’ when discussing his future in November.

But in a boost for Liverpool, it is understood that as it stands, he is not in negotiations with any Saudi club.

Club chiefs meanwhile are hopeful that the player – as well as skipper Virgil van Dijk – will commit to their futures in Merseyside beyond the summer.

And it appears that Saudi Pro League bosses are losing hope of securing Salah’s services as they believe he wants to continue in Europe.

That is despite being willing to hand the former Basel man a three-year deal worth in excess of £160m-per-year.

It would make Salah one of the richest footballers in the Gulf nation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who pockets around £177m-a-year.

Saudi chiefs have been able to speak to Salah regarding a free transfer since January, but the winger has prioritised contract talks with Liverpool.

Salah is enjoying a stunning season so far – where he leads the Premier League’s charts for goals and assists.

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The Reds winger has earned legend status at Anfield since joining in 2017Credit: Getty

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Salah has started all 29 of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this term

With 27 goals and 17 assists already, he is on course for his best ever campaign in the English top-flight.

He is just three assists shy of equalling Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record of 20 in a single season.

And he needs just five more strikes to tie his record tally of 32 he set during his first year at the club following his move from Roma in 2017.

But it’s not all good news for Liverpool despite the positivity surrounding Salah’s future.

That is because academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

The 26-year-old will leave Anfield after agreeing personal terms over a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000-per-week.

Not world class! Troy Deeney doubles down on Mo Salah verdict after another poor cup final display for Liverpool

England international Alexander-Arnold has been in discussions with Los Blancos since the New Year.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had an approach for the defender rebuffed by Liverpool during the winter transfer window.

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March 25, 2025
Richarlison can do nothing right at Tottenham – he’s destined for Saudi switch

Richarlison’s Tottenham woes have gone from bad to worse and all signs point towards a summer transfer to Saudi Arabia.

That’s the view of his ex-Watford teammate Troy Deeney, who has stated that ‘something’s gone wrong’ for the 27-year-old in north London.

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Richarlison has struggled for consistency since joining TottenhamCredit: Getty

The Brazilian joined Spurs from Everton in a deal rising to £60million in 2022 having scored 53 goals in 152 games for the Toffees.

But he has never got going at Tottenham, with the striker boasting almost as many injuries [ten] as he has Premier League goals [14].

Having already missed 27 matches this term due to numerous setbacks, Richarlison looks set for another spell on the sidelines after picking up a calf issue in Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Boss Ange Postecoglou declared after the brutal loss that the player was left ’emotional’ over his latest injury, admitting that it ‘didn’t look too good’.

His continued struggles has led to uncertainty over his long-term future at Spurs ahead of a potential exit in the next transfer window.

Assessing Richarlison’s time at Tottenham so far, Deeney, who played alongside him at Vicarage Road in the 2017/18 season, told talkSPORT.com: “I feel sorry for him.

“There’s something clearly going wrong. He can’t seem to stay fit.

“He started the game [vs Liverpool] OK, and then ran into the channel and his calf just popped instantly.

“It’s a shame, like I say, something’s gone wrong there [at Spurs].

“Because at Watford he played 18 [12] months in a row, at Everton he played more or less every game – he was a leader for them.

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Richarlison looked in distress after pulling his calf during the first half at AnfieldCredit: Getty

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The Brazilian boasts just three goal contributions from 11 Premier League games this term

“He then goes to Spurs and he just can’t seem to stay fit and I don’t really know what the answer is.”

And when pressed whether the player should depart north London to recapture his form, Deeney insisted there’s only one place Richarlison can go.

He remarked: “I think he is going to have to leave, because where does he go?

“It’s sad to say, but if you haven’t done it at Spurs, he’s probably going to end up going Saudi, somewhere like that.

“[He can] make a few quid for himself, but he needs to stay fit and available.

“It’s a shame because he’s a good player, he’s a very good boy and a nice lad.”

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Deeney believes that only Saudi Arabia could hand Richarlison an escape option from SpursCredit: talkSPORT

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Richarlison averages a goal ever four-and-a-half games in north London

Richarlison was heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia last year, but snubbed a move despite the riches on offer, declaring: “The money is big, but my dreams are bigger.”

It’s been a difficult 2025 for Tottenham so far having lost five times already, with their trophy drought threatening to enter an 18th year.

And things don’t get any easier for Spurs on Sunday as they face Aston Villa away in the FA Cup fourth round.

Some Spurs fans are calling for the axing of Postecoglou, and Deeney has acknowledged that the Australian will be on thin ice should they be defeated in the Midlands.

He stated: “I don’t think he will get sacked after that game. If they lose to Manchester United [February 16], I think he’s in all sorts of pressure.

“Because at the start of this week they were in three competitions and looking to get players back to finish the season strong and finish in the top ten.

HAAAS ANYONE SEEN TOTTENHAM! Jason Cundy mocks Jamie O’Hara & Spurs after getting battered by Liverpool!

“I think if he loses the semi-final [vs Liverpool], loses in the FA Cup and then loses to Man United, they could be like 16th [in table], they could be in the bottom four.

“I just think they’re going to have to really step it up, and would you trust the manager if you’re the owner at that point?

“I don’t think it’s the right decision [to sack Postecoglou], I think it’s more on the players to step up now and a lot needs to be looked at at Tottenham as an organisation.”

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February 9, 2025
Arsenal’s Watkins move KO’d as Duran set for stunning move to partner Ronaldo

Jhon Duran is set to undergo a medical with Al Nassr ahead of a move from Aston Villa, talkSPORT understands.

The big-spending Saudi Pro League is looking to make another major attacking transfer this January and Duran will be the next to join after a breakthrough in talks with Villa.

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Duran looks set for a massive payday in Saudi having agreed a big money transfer from VillaCredit: Getty

Villa have reached an agreement to sell Duran for an initial of fee of €77million (£64.5m), with add-ons taking the total package to €90m (£75m).

It’s a transfer that will see the 21-year-old Colombian play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023.

And it is set to KO Arsenal’s attempts to sign Ollie Watkins, with the Gunners launching a shock bid earlier on Wednesday.

Villa immediately rejected that offer from their Premier League rivals and will not entertain losing both their strikers, despite the England forward being open to the move.

Duran will now be the one to depart, having agreed personal terms with Al Nassr on a five-and-a-half year contract.

He is scheduled to undergo a medical in London on Thursday and to sign his contract.

talkSPORT understands Duran will bank €15m (approximately £12.5m) a year – almost £250,000 per week.

When asked about Duran’s movements, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Tomorrow or Friday we can talk about the transfer, or maybe next week, until everything is done I don’t want to speak, because in football everything can happen.

“The club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not time to speak about it.”

Signed by Villa in 2023 from Chicago Fire, Duran impressed enough to attract interest from Chelsea in his first season, but this January had been all about another London club.

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Duran is set to leave Villa nearly two years after signingCredit: Getty

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Arsenal’s hopes of signing Watkins now appear to be overCredit: Getty

West Ham bid £40million and £57million for the Villa man this month and despite the Hammers being unsuccessful, Saudi dealmakers haven’t been put off.

Al Nassr have also been keen on Bayer Leverkusen talent Victor Boniface, but Duran is now set to scupper that move.

Duran has netted 12 goals from 29 appearances this season for Unai Emery’s team, but has largely played second fiddle to Watkins.

He was named on the bench on Wednesday night for Villa’s 4-2 win against Celtic in the Champions League, with Watkins again preferred up front.

Duran began his career with Colombian outfit Envigado in 2019 before making his move to Chicago Fire.

He scored eight goals in 28 appearances for the MLS side and that was enough to encourage Villa to spend just shy of £18m for Duran in the summer of 2023.

Furious Gabby Agbonlahor calls talkSPORT to vent fury at Arsenal over Ollie Watkins approach

Duran scored just five Premier League goals last season but his efforts attracted the attention of Chelsea and West Ham in the summer.

But he stayed at Villa Park and has enjoyed a productive season with 12 goals, including three in the Champions League.

But now he’s set for a new challenge in the Middle East.

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January 29, 2025
Kyle Walker rejects mega-money Saudi switch as preferred destination is revealed

Kyle Walker has told Saudi Pro League bosses he wants to stay in Europe, talkSPORT understands.

It is believed that the Manchester City right-back has turned down a reported £400,000-a-week offer to play in the Middle East.

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Walker favours a move to AC Milan as he seeks an exit away from the EtihadCredit: Getty

In bombshell news over the weekend, Pep Guardiola revealed that Walker had asked to leave the Etihad this month, with AC Milan his preferred destination.

Talks between City and the Italian giants are expected to ramp up this week.

AC Milan are offering the England international a two-and-a-half year-deal.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Guardiola declared that the 34-year-old club is looking to finish his career abroad.

He said after the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. He asked two years ago after the Treble.

“Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough” he said.

“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this? We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle.

“It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.

“But now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all.”

Ahead of their Premier League tie with Brentford on Tuesday evening in London, Guardiola added that there was ‘no news’ on the defender.

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Guardiola told talkSPORT that Walker is looking to finish his career abroadCredit: Getty

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Walker could link up with fellow England internationals Abraham and Tomori at the San SiroCredit: getty

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Walker has won 17 trophies at the Etihad since joining from Tottenham in 2017

Asked whether he will be in City’s squad to travel to west London, Guardiola remarked: “I will decide after training.

“I said what I said, I will not be going into anything else. I don’t have any news so it’s Brentford in my mind.

The Spaniard also added that whilst the ‘mood is better’ and his side ‘have improved’, there is still much to do.

He said: “We have to wait to see, of course the mood is better and tomorrow we have an enormously difficult game. Thomas [Frank] creates a lot of problems.”

While Walker seems set to be on his way out of the club, two new additions look poised to arrive in the form of defender Abdukodir Khusanov and forward Omar Marmoush.

talkSPORT understands that a £33million move has been agreed with Ligue 1 outfit Lens for centre-back Khusanov.

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City’s woeful form appears to have turned a corner, but the club want defensive reinforcements in JanuaryCredit: Getty

But Guardiola remained tight-lipped on the transfer when pushed for comment, as he simply stated: “The club didn’t announce anything.”

Meanwhile City are also closing in on the £60m signing of Eintracht Franlfurt star Marmoush.

The 25-year-old has chipped in with 14 Bundesliga goals and seven assists from 16 German top-flight matches this term.

Only Harry Kane has scored more league goals [15] than the Egypt international this season.

Simon Jordan calls Kyle Walker’s antics during Manchester derby ‘preposterous’

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January 13, 2025
Casemiro could join Al Nassr but wages would still be dwarfed by Ronaldo

Casemiro has switched his stance and is now open to a move to Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.

The Brazilian was against an exit last summer despite heavy interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, who were reluctant to pay the £70million figure Manchester United wanted.

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Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford may be coming to a close in JanuaryCredit: Getty

The large fee matched what the Red Devils forked out to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022 as they looked to avoid taking a major loss on the deal.

However, it is understood Saudi dealmakers believe Casemiro will be available for as little as €30m (£24.9m).

Al Nassr, who boast Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic in their line-up, appear to be the best-positioned team to make a play for Casemiro.

The TV rights for the Saudi Pro League is up for renewal later this year and is expected to provide a major financial boost for clubs across the board, which is why Al Nassr are ready to move.

It is understood Al Nassr would be willing to make Casemiro one of the league’s top five highest earners, such is their willingness to secure a deal.

The 32-year-old is one of United’s highest earners with an estimated weekly wage of £350,000.

However, should he move to Saudi Arabia, it is understood Casemiro could earn a weekly wage of around £650,000.

It is also understood Casemiro turned down a mouth-watering $4m (£3.2m) signing on fee to join Al Ittihad last summer.

Despite the upgrade from his United deal, the figure pales in comparison to what potential teammate Ronaldo earns.

The Portuguese great pockets an eye-watering salary of £177m, which amounts to £3,403,846 per week.

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Casemiro’s mooted wage with Al-Nassr doesn’t come close to what Ronaldo pocketsCredit: Getty

Ronaldo’s weekly wage also dwarfs what teammate Mane earns too.

Ex-Liverpool star Mane, who joined Al Nassr in the summer of 2023 after just one season with German giants Bayern Munich, takes home just north of £650,000-a-week, which equates to £34m-per-season.

Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford having lost his place in the starting line-up since Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November.

The Brazilian started the first two league games of the Amorim era against Ipswich and Everton but was an unused substitute for the following five games.

He made a 27-minute cameo off the bench in a 2-0 defeat against Wolves and returned to the starting line-up against Newcastle but was dropped once more for the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

In Casemiro’s place, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have become Amorim’s preferred pairing in central midfield.

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Casemiro has fallen out of favour since Amorim took over at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP

Despite the change in midfield personnel, it hasn’t exactly translated into results for United under the Portuguese boss.

Amorim began his United tenure with two wins from his opening three games but has won just twice from the following nine games.

The Red Devils went into their clash on Sunday against historic rivals Liverpool on a four-game winless run and many expected it to stretch to a fifth.

However, Amad Diallo’s late heroics salvaged a valuable point for United at Anfield.

The visitors also had the chance to snatch all three points at the death, but Harry Maguire blazed over from close range.

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January 6, 2025
Gareth Bale suggests theory for Mo Salah’s public Liverpool contract statement

Gareth Bale has suggested Mohamed Salah’s comments regarding his contract situation at Liverpool could be a tactic for club chiefs to pay him more.

The 32-year-old is in the final year of his deal at Anfield and is free to speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer from January.

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Liverpool winger Salah is tied down at the club until 2025Credit: Getty

Salah is believed to have interest from Saudi Arabia ahead of a potential move in 2025.

It remains to be seen whether the Egypt international will commit to his future at Liverpool following comments he made after the club’s 3-2 win at Southampton.

He revealed he is yet to be offered a new deal by the Merseyside outfit, and is ‘probably more out than in’ when discussing his future.

His admission led to him being branded as ‘selfish’ by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

However Real Madrid icon Bale believes Salah may have been open about his future in an attempt to force Liveprool to pay him what he feels he is worth.

The retired 35-year-old was part of TNT Sports’ punditry team for his former employers’ Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, which the Reds went on to win 2-0.

Prior to Wednesday night’s clash, Bale was asked by host Laura Woods whether Salah’s contract situation will affect the Reds.

Reflecting on his own experience and whether players discuss their teammates’ contract talks in the dressing room, he said: “No, not really.

“We never kind of bring those things into conversation, it’s always about training or you’re just talking about general life.

“So I can’t imagine that’s going to affect anybody.

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Bale has offered up a theory over why Salah went public about his contract situationCredit: AFP

“It’ll be for people upstairs to sort out with his [Salah’s] agent.

“I’m sure he’s just making noise to try and get a bit more money to be honest!”

Amused by his honest reaction, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked: “Did you ever do that?”

To which Bale quipped: “Well, you know…”

Salah has been Liverpool’s standout player this season, with the winger chipping in with ten goals and six assists in 12 Premier League matches.

A major part of why the club are eight points clear at the top, Salah has been directly involved in a top-flight goal in ten fixtures.

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November 27, 2024
Troy Deeney: Salah isn’t ‘world class’, I wouldn’t want my kids playing like him

You’d think by now Mohamed Salah would have shut down any ‘world class’ debates, but Troy Deeney isn’t sure.

The Liverpool icon has won every trophy on offer for the Reds and sits fifth on their all-time scoring charts and eighth in the Premier League rankings.

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Salah’s done it all, but he’s not convinced everyone of his immense qualityCredit: Getty

Salah has twice finished third in the FIFA Best Award voting, and recently became the highest scoring African in Champions League history to go along with his two Premier League Golden Boots.

But for Deeney, there’s one criteria that he hasn’t fulfilled.

The Watford legend and talkSPORT pundit explained: “I think Mohamed Salah is excellent, he’s a pivotal part for Liverpool and they should never have let it [his expiring contract] get to this situation.

“But I understand that there’s a financial structure around what they want to try and keep to.

“My argument has always been that I just don’t think he’s world class.

“But world class is just a different opinion, what I think of world class is would I want my kids to play like that player? That’s what I think is world class.

“If I was asking my kids who want to be forwards, I would be saying I would like them to look at what Vinicius Jr does as opposed to Mohamed Salah.

“But his goals that he [Salah] scores, he scores an unbelievable amount of goals, he’s highly effective, but that’s just my opinion.

“He’s probably going to turn around and say, ‘Who the f*** is Troy?,’ and fair play to him, but that’s my opinion.”

While Vinicius Jr boasts more goals [12] than Salah’s tally of ten this season, it is the ex-Chelsea forward who has outscored the Brazilian in each of his eight previous campaigns.

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Salah is adored by Liverpool fans, but his contract is coming to an end

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Deeney has had his say on Salah, who has started the season in fine form

Despite Salah’s positive start to the 2024/25 season, there are fears from Liverpool fans that it could be his last year.

The 32-year-old is tied down at Anfield until 2025, and is free to speak to foreign clubs regarding a free transfer from January.

Salah has publicly commented on the perceived stalemate between himself and the club, saying it’s not in his hands.

Liverpool also have captain Virgil van Dijk and vice captain Trent Alexander-Arnold in the same situation.

But neither of those players will draw the same kind of attention that Salah has is in the Middle East.

The Egyptian was previously the subject of a gigantic £150million bid from Saudi giants Al-Ittihad in 2023, but Liverpool rebuffed the other.

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Salah has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season

While there are questions marks as to whether Salah will stay or not, Deeney believes Salah will still be loved by his adoring Liverpool fans even if he makes the move to Saudi Arabia.

He explained: “He’s massive in the Middle East. He’s a huge, huge draw, but we look at it solely from a league perspective.

“But think about how many times this guy gets hammered for just posting pictures on Christmas day.

“All of that goes away and there are so many nuanced pieces to it.

“At this stage of his career I don’t think he’s going for money, I could be wrong, but I don’t think he’s going for money.

Liverpool legend Ray Houghton explains how Mo Salah is emulating Cristiano Ronaldo

“I think he’s going where he’s motivated and going to have the best life for his wife and kids.

“Whatever he chooses to do he’s earned the right to do that, and if he decides to not play for Liverpool again, he’ll still be a Liverpool legend.”

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November 17, 2024
Ex-Chelsea star shows club what they’re missing as he stuns Ronaldo with goal

Cristiano Ronaldo was left visibly impressed when his new Al Nassr teammate Angelo scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Al Wehda.

The winger joined the Saudi Pro League giants in the summer in a reported £19.1million move from Chelsea.

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Angelo chipped the goalkeeper to score his first Al Nassr goalCredit: @mydy1286628 X

Angelo didn’t make a single senior appearance for the Blues, but now has four to his name with Al Nassr.

He started alongside Ronaldo for their clash against Al Wehda on Friday and netted his first goal with an excellent finish.

The 19-year-old ran down the right and chipped the ball from just inside the area and over goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Owaishir.

READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO

Just as he wheeled away in celebration, legendary footballer Ronaldo could be seen clapping the goal that gave them a 1-0 lead.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was then quick to congratulate with the youngster over his incredible effort.

Angelo’s start on Friday evening was his third for Al Nassr and saw him play next to other stars such as Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte.

The Brazilian youngster signed for Chelsea from Santo last summer in a reported £12.95million deal.

He was sent on loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg for the 2023/24 season and made 25 appearances in all competitions, assisting four goals.

Angelo missed the last two months of the campaign due to injury and returned to parent club Chelsea, who sold him in September.

His move to Al Nassr is so far proving fruitful, with appearances also coming in the AFC Champions League and King’s Cup.

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Ronaldo was seen applauding his teammate for the quality finishCredit: @mydy1286628 X

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Angelo celebrated with Ronaldo after scoring the openerCredit: AFP

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He played for Chelsea in pre-season but didn’t make a competitive appearanceCredit: Getty

Ronaldo doubled Al Nassr’s lead 11 minutes into the second-half with a penalty, his sixth goal of the season in seven appearances.

It was the ex-Manchester United’s forward’s 70th goal in Al Nassr colours.

Since linking up with the Saudi side, he has featured in 77 games in all competitions, where he has shown he has not lost any of his attacking qualities.

Incredibly, he is now just 97 goals shy of reaching the landmark of 1,000 career goals.

His target for this season will be to finally end the season as a Saudi Pro League champion.

Following the victory over Al Wehda, Al Nassr sit second in the table after five matches – one point behind reigning champions Al Hilal.

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September 27, 2024
Ronaldo held talks with rival Messi club who almost snatched him before Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi came agonisingly close to reigniting their famous rivalry in America, but it was not to be.

When Ronaldo and Messi were at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, it made for must-watch television as the two superstars produced moments of magic that scarcely seemed believable.

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Ronaldo and Messi enjoyed an iconic rivalry when they were in LaLigaCredit: Getty

Such was their dominance at the top of football, either Ronaldo or Messi won the Ballon d’Or from 2008 to 2017, although the latter went on to win it three more times.

But Ronaldo’s departure from Madrid in 2018 to Juventus sapped some of the star power from El Clasico and LaLiga, as Messi lost his longtime rival.

Messi was later forced to leave Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s perilous financial situation and moved to Paris Saint-Germain.

He would last two years in the French capital before moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, where he has was later re-united with ex-Barca stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

As for Ronaldo, he enjoyed three years with Juventus before an emotional return to Manchester United in 2021.

However, it proved to be an ill-fated stint as Ronaldo reached breaking point in November 2022 when he criticised United manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s management in an interview with Piers Morgan.

The Red Devils elected to terminate Ronaldo’s contract shortly after as he became a free agent.

Ronaldo had hoped to seal a move to a European team competing in the Champions League, but it never materialised as clubs were put off by his age and wage demands.

Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr was constantly linked with Ronaldo once he became a free agent and as history would have it, that’s exactly where he landed – beating Sporting Kansas City to his signature.

The Portuguese superstar moved to Al Nassr at the end of 2022 and agreed an eye-watering salary of €200million [£177m] per year.

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Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in December 2022Credit: Getty

However, Ronaldo could have become a sporting icon in the same city as NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes had one MLS team got their way.

Two-time MLS champions Sporting Kansas City had the discovery rights to Ronaldo, which effectively gave the club a clear runway to push for a deal without interference from rival clubs.

In fact, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported Kansas City had made contact with Ronaldo’s camp before his controversial interview with Morgan aired.

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Former United States international Taylor Twellman also claimed Kansas City had made a serious push for Ronaldo.

“Their offer was so compelling that Ronaldo’s team had multiple meetings w/SKC before taking the Saudi deal,” Twellman posted on social media in December 2022.

“The package (wages/commercial) was said to be ‘very close.’”

Kansas City owner Robb Heineman reposted Twellman’s tweet, which all but validated the report.

If only Sporting KC had brought some of the city’s famous Kansas City-style barbeque to one of the meetings, it could have been the sweetener on the deal.

But given Ronaldo’s ultra-strict and clean diet, it’s unlikely he would have dabbled in Kansas City’s local delicacies.

Instead, we’re left to wonder what might have been had Kansas City been able to reach a deal and add a few more years to Messi and Ronaldo’s iconic rivalry.

However, it wouldn’t have lasted long given Messi has reportedly decided on where he will move next once his deal with Inter Miami expires in December 2025.

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Ronaldo could have found himself in the MLS in 2022Credit: Getty

El Nacional claimed Messi will return to Argentinian side Newell’s Old Boys, the club he joined as a boy before moving to Barcelona at age 13.

In an interview with El Planeta Urbano in 2016, he said: “If I go back to Argentina tomorrow, which I would love, the club I would play for would be Newell’s.”

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September 25, 2024
Ex-Man United man has Al Nassr contract terminated with immediate effect

Alex Telles has departed Al Nassr by mutual consent – just one year after he joined the Saudi side from Manchester United.

The 31-year-old ended his three-year spell at Old Trafford last summer to make the move to the Middle East in a £4million transfer.

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Telles is now a free agent having departed Al Nassr following just one yearCredit: Getty

His switch to the King Saud University Stadium saw him reunited with ex-Red Devils teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Together they won the Arab Club Champions Cup, with the left-back a regular starter for Al Nassr.

In total, he featured in 38 matches for the Gulf nation outfit – chipping in with three goals and five assists.

He had even featured in both of the club’s opening Saudi Pro League matches this term.

But the defender and the club have decided to part ways, with Al Nassr getting the Brazilian’s reported £135,000-a-week contract of their wage bill.

But incredibly, he still banked just over £7million in earnings from his one-year stay, with Telles to now embark on a new adventure.

Al Nassr paid tribute to his services by sharing a montage video featuring the player’s best moments at the club.

An accompanying brief statement read: “Al Nassr can announce that the Brazilian star Alex Telles has left the Club by mutual agreement.

“Thanks for everything, Alex.”

A return to Porto has been mooted, while Telles could look to head back to his native Brazil – ten years after leaving Gremio for Galatasaray.

2

Telles was part of Al Nassr’s squad that won the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023Credit: Getty

Telles arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 for £15m on the back of a season where had scored 13 goals in all competitions for Porto.

He was expected to challenge Luke Shaw for a starting spot at the Theatre of Dreams, only for the England international to raise his game to another level.

As a result of Shaw’s impressive form, Telles was limited to just nine Premier League appearances.

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The 2021/22 campaign again proved to be another frustrating term for Telles, where he made just 18 top-flight starts.

A loan spell to Sevilla followed, where he featured in 38 matches – starting in their Europa League final victory over Roma.

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September 2, 2024