Al-Nassr's SPL rivals hoping to sign Cristiano Ronaldo as a free agent in the summer - Reports

According to a report in SportBible, Al-Hilal are hoping to sign Cristiano Ronaldo when he becomes a free agent next summer. The Portuguese icon is contracted to Al-Nassr until June 2025 and has yet to pen a new deal with the Riyadh-based club.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and has been influential for the Knights of Najd. Although he has yet to lead the club to any major silverware, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has recorded an impressive 68 goals and 18 assists in 78 appearances.

As per the aforementioned sources, Al-Hilal will look to bring in the Portuguese legend as a possible replacement for Neymar Jr. The Brazilian star joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023 but has not made a significant impact at the club since then.

In his debut season, Neymar played only five times as an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the entire season. The 32-year-old returned to action in late October. However, he suffered another injury in Al-Hilal’s AFC Champions League clash with Esthegal on Tuesday, November 4.

Al-Hillal are now reportedly set to cut ties with Neymar amid his injury struggles. The Brazilian forward is contracted to the club until 2025 but has been linked with a move to the MLS or back to Brazil.

Al-Hilal hope to bring in Cristiano Ronaldo if they eventually part ways with Neymar. However, they’d have to wait until next summer when the Al-Nassr skipper becomes a free agent.

The 39-year-old player led to an influx of top European stars in the Middle East. He indicated in the summer that he is likely to conclude his illustrious career in Saudi Arabia.

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Cristiano Ronaldo inspires Al-Nassr to emphatic victory in the AFC Champions League Elite

Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Al-Nassr to a 5-1 win over Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday, November 5. The 39-year-old scored his side’s third goal in the clash (31’) at Al-Awwal Park.

Brazilian forward Talisca netted a brace (5, 90+4’), Wesley added another (81’), and Al-Ain defender Fabio Cardoso scored an own goal (37’). Al-Nassr’s goalkeeper Bento also conceded an own goal (56’).

Ronaldo did not play until the final whistle as he was substituted for Abdulrahman Ghareeb in the 79th minute. Al-Nassr have now won three of four AFC Champions League games this term. They are third in the West region of the competition’s league phase with 10 points, two points behind rivals Al-Hilal who lead the table.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, has scored twice in three AFC Champions League outings this season. Overall, he has registered 10 goals and three assists in 14 appearances across competitions for the Knights of Najd.