Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational move to Saudi rivals Al-Hilal in 2025, with reports suggesting he may replace the injury-plagued Neymar.
The Portuguese superstar, who has been prolific for Al-Nassr since joining in late 2022, is being eyed by the reigning Saudi Pro League champions during their mid-season break next January.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Al-Hilal are ready to cut their losses on Neymar, who has been sidelined with multiple injuries since his arrival.
The potential transfer would see Ronaldo, 39, make a controversial switch between the Saudi rivals, whilst potentially weakening his current club Al-Nassr’s title aspirations.
Ronaldo has maintained his remarkable goalscoring form in Saudi Arabia, netting 74 goals in 84 appearances for Al-Nassr since his arrival.
This season alone, the former Manchester United star has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 14 matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way out of Al-Nassr
Reuters
Despite his individual success, Ronaldo is yet to secure a major title with Al-Nassr since joining the club on a contract worth 200 million euros per year.
The Portuguese icon has expressed his desire to reach 1,000 career goals before considering retirement, suggesting he still has significant ambitions in the Saudi Pro League.
His prolific record has made him an attractive prospect for Al-Hilal, who are seeking a proven goalscorer for both domestic and AFC Champions League competitions.
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Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal has been marred by persistent injuries, with the Brazilian star missing 12 months due to knee ligament damage before suffering a recent hamstring tear.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who joined Al-Hilal for 90 million euros in August 2023, has made just seven appearances for the club.
Brazilian outlet UOL reports that Neymar is ‘eager’ to return to his boyhood club Santos, where he first emerged as a global star.
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The Brazilian side are prepared to commit significant resources to bring Neymar back, either within the next two months if he terminates his Al-Hilal contract, or in summer 2025 when his current deal expires.
Al-Hilal fans have grown increasingly critical of Neymar’s constant unavailability since his arrival.
Ronaldo’s potential move to Al-Hilal could take place during the January 2025 transfer window, with the club reportedly keen to wrap up the deal swiftly.
Neymar has been riddled with injuries since moving to Saudi Arabia
Reuters
The Portuguese star currently earns a guaranteed salary of 90 million euros at Al-Nassr, with commercial and sponsorship deals bringing his total annual earnings to 200 million euros.
The transfer would represent another significant investment for Al-Hilal, who are currently paying Neymar 150 million euros per year.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr trail Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League
Reuters
Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Ronaldo serves a dual purpose – strengthening their own squad whilst weakening a direct rival in the Saudi Pro League.
The club remains in contention for both domestic honours and the AFC Champions League, making the acquisition of a proven goalscorer a priority.