Riyadh`s Intra-City Transfer Tensions
Sources close to the situation reveal a brewing storm in Riyadh. Al-Nassr, the club Ronaldo joined in January 2023 amid much fanfare and a staggering salary reportedly exceeding $150 million per year, faces the uncomfortable prospect of losing their star to their fierce city rivals, Al-Hilal. This isn`t just any transfer; it`s a move allegedly orchestrated by the PIF itself, which conveniently owns stakes in both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, alongside Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli.
The notion of a sovereign wealth fund actively facilitating the transfer of a star player between its own portfolio clubs for a specific tournament raises eyebrows and, predictably, hackles. Al-Nassr`s frustration is palpable. To invest heavily in a player, build a team around him, see him become the league`s top scorer with 25 goals, only to potentially lose him to a direct competitor – even temporarily – for the greater glory of the fund`s broader ambitions, is a bitter pill to swallow. It certainly offers a unique perspective on the concept of `fair play` within a league where the same entity controls multiple major players.
Ronaldo`s Cryptic Clues and Future Uncertainties
Ronaldo himself recently fueled speculation with a cryptic statement: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Thanks to all.” While not explicitly announcing a departure, it left the door wide open. His contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire at the end of June, coinciding perfectly with the Club World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino`s earlier hint that clubs were vying for the 40-year-old`s participation in the new Club World Cup format adds another layer to this intricate plot.
The proposed scenario isn`t necessarily a permanent defection. It`s plausible that Ronaldo might join Al-Hilal solely for the duration of the Club World Cup, subsequently returning to Al-Nassr. However, such a temporary arrangement, no matter how brief, could still destabilize Al-Nassr`s preparations and create an awkward dynamic, testing the loyalty of fans and players alike.
Al-Hilal`s Grand Ambitions for the Global Stage
Al-Hilal`s pursuit of Ronaldo underscores a clear and unwavering determination to make a significant impact on the global stage. As the 2021 AFC Champions League winners, they are eager to demonstrate the burgeoning power of Saudi football. Their ambitions extend beyond Ronaldo; reports indicate they are aggressively targeting Inter Milan`s Simone Inzaghi as their top coaching candidate, with Marseille`s Roberto De Zerbi as an alternative. Furthermore, they are reportedly prepared to offer Manchester United`s Bruno Fernandes a staggering nearly $100 million a year to lure him to Riyadh in time for the tournament.
These strategic moves paint a vivid picture of PIF`s vision: not just to compete, but to dominate. The Club World Cup, with its expanded format and global spotlight, presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia`s footballing prowess and attract even more attention to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal is slated to begin their tournament journey on June 18, facing Real Madrid in Miami, followed by matches against Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca. The stakes, therefore, could not be higher.
