Real Madrid star could line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi as Al-Nassr register transfer interest: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde in the summer transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report claims that the Saudi Pro League side have turned their attention to the Uruguay international after failing to sign Vinicius Junior (via Madrid Universal).

This could be a significant step towards winning the Saudi Arabia top flight for the first time since Ronaldo's arrival in January 2023. The Riyadh-based side have had an underwhelming campaign this year, which sees them sitting third in the league standings, eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand.

However, this report adds that Valverde is not the only world-class midfielder on Al-Nassr's radar. Ronaldo and Co. are also looking at potentially signing Premier League superstars Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes.

As for the 26-year-old Los Blancos player, he is set to cost a fair bit, with Valverde contracted at the Santiago Bernabeu till the summer of 2029. Moreover, it remains to be seen whether he wishes to move to Saudi Arabia, with much of his footballing career ahead of him.

One would assume that a top talent like Valverde will wish to remain in Europe and not be swayed by the lucrative offers coming from the Middle East. He's won the Champions League twice and the LaLiga title three times with Real Madrid so far.

To date, Valverde has made 299 appearances across competitions for the Spanish giants, bagging 29 goals and assists each. He's proven his versatility in recent times as well, deputizing at right-back.

Ex-Real Madrid striker snubs Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he picks best footballer in history

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema snubbed his ex-Los Blancos teammate Cristiano Ronaldo while picking the greatest player in football history. The Frenchman told TNT Sports BR (via Football Espana):

"Everyone says what they want. If he thinks he’s the best ever… For me, for example, it’s Ronaldo, the one from Brazil."

These comments from Benzema came a few weeks after Ronaldo declared himself to be the 'most complete' player in football history. The pair have also played together 342 times across competitions for Real Madrid, bagging 76 joint goal contributions.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo Nazario is also considered an all-time great who won two Ballon d'Or awards during his playing days. The Al-Nassr sensation has won the award three times more than the former Brazil forward.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Ritwik Kumar