Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr stays unsure as rumors swirl about his subsequent profession transfer. At 39 years previous, the Portuguese celebrity is reportedly considering a brand new chapter in 2025 whereas remaining laser-focused on attaining his final milestone: 1,000 profession objectives. Along with his contract set to run out in June 2025, Ronaldo is free to barter with different golf equipment beginning January 1. Whereas he has expressed a want to win the Saudi Professional League earlier than leaving, his dedication to Al-Nassr could hinge on an surprising star acquisition.
Intriguingly, the Riyadh aspect seems to have a plan to persuade the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to remain, involving one in all Pep Guardiola’s trusted lieutenants from Manchester Metropolis’s treble-winning squad.
Studies recommend that Kyle Walker, the Sky Blues’ veteran right-back and Champions League winner, has emerged as a key goal for Al-Nassr. Based on The Solar, a number of Saudi Professional League golf equipment, together with Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, are additionally vying for Walker’s signature. Nevertheless, Al-Nassr’s curiosity stands out, given their want to pair him with Ronaldo in what may very well be a blockbuster transfer.
Walker, who joined Manchester Metropolis in 2017 from Tottenham, has loved an illustrious profession. Six Premier League titles, a number of home trophies, and the coveted Champions League crown in 2023 cemented his legacy as one in all Guardiola’s most reliable gamers. But, at 34 years previous, the Englishman’s time on the prime degree could also be winding down, and a transfer to the Saudi Professional League may symbolize a becoming ultimate chapter.
Talking on the FIVE podcast earlier this yr, the defender admitted he wouldn’t rule out a transfer to the Center East: “I’ll by no means say by no means. The cash they’re paying and all the things is clearly an enormous consider why they’re going on the market. Ronaldo opened the pathway for everybody to go there.”
Ronaldo’s ambitions and Al-Nassr’s ace up sleeve
For Ronaldo, the main target stays on creating historical past. Marca stories that the Portuguese ahead is exploring alternatives for his subsequent problem, however he stays dedicated to leaving Al-Nassr on a excessive word by capturing a Saudi Professional League title. On the identical time, Stefano Pioli’s aspect is keen to retain his companies, recognizing Ronaldo’s unmatched star energy and affect within the league’s international growth.
Bringing in a participant of Kyle Walker’s caliber may very well be a persuasive transfer. Walker’s expertise on the highest ranges of European soccer, mixed together with his defensive prowess and management, would undoubtedly bolster Al-Nassr’s squad. It may additionally function a press release of intent, signaling the membership’s ambition to dominate each domestically and on the continental stage.
Manchester Metropolis’s rebuilding plans
Manchester Metropolis’s openness to Walker’s departure additional fuels the hypothesis. Whereas the defender stays underneath contract till 2026, current performances have sparked debates about his position within the staff. Guardiola has reportedly been eyeing potential replacements, together with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, as a part of a broader plan to refresh an getting old squad.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Walker’s type has been inconsistent, resulting in diminished taking part in time. In Metropolis’s current 2-0 victory over Leicester Metropolis, Walker began on the bench, taking part in solely 20 minutes—a transparent indication of his shifting standing. As Guardiola navigates a difficult season, marked by accidents and declining performances, letting the English veteran go may align with the membership’s long-term technique.
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