Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr eyeing up move for Saudi Arabian defender in the winter transfer window: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr are eyeing up a move for Saudi Arabian defender Zakaria Hawsawi, who plays for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Raed. The 23-year-old full-back has spent all of his young career in the Gulf country, recently leaving Al-Ittihad for Al-Raed last summer.

He has been a fairly consistent player for Al-Raed this season, playing eight of their 13 league games. He has also picked up two assists in those games, while actively becoming a more important player in the team and completing the last three league games.

His performances seem to have piqued the interest of bigger clubs in Saudi Arabia. A report from NFC1World on X has revealed that Al-Nassr have marked him as their first-choice target to sign in the winter. The Knights of Naj'd have not had the best season so far, as they sit in fourth place after 13 games played.

They have conceded 12 goals this season, a worse figure than those of Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Ahli, and Al-Shabab. A move for Hawsawi could potentially help reduce how many goals they concede, while the full-back could also enhance their options moving in attack.

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Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo claims Saudi Pro League is better than France's Ligue 1

Al-Nassr super striker Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that the Saudi Pro League, where he plays, is a better league than France's premier competition Ligue 1. The Portugal legend compared the two leagues during the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he won the Best Middle East player of 2024.

Speaking during the award gala, which clubs like Real Madrid attended, he said that the French top-flight could not match up to its Gulf counterpart (via talkSPORT):

"Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39 40-degree weather and see."

The Al-Nassr forward added:

"It is difficult to become a champion in Saudi. This year Al Hilal are better, Al Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.

"I've been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I've won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level."

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's words, the French Ligue 1 is recognized as one of the biggest leagues in Europe. It closely sits in rank with Spain's La Liga, the English Premier League, Italy's Serie A, and the German Bundesliga.