Cristiano Ronaldo’s Potential Transfer to Al-Hilal: Could He Replace Neymar Amid Looming Exit?
Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League, has had trouble winning trophies with Al Nassr. With Al Hilal considering terminating Neymar Jr.’s contract due to concerns about his ability to come back from injury, rumours are circulating that the defending Saudi Pro League champions are considering Ronaldo as his replacement.
Neymar Jr. joined Al Hilal in 2023 as their marquee signing, widely expected to spearhead their attack. However, the Brazilian forward suffered a cruciate ligament injury on international duty that required surgery and over a year on the sidelines to recover. Neymar returned to action recently and has played twice, limping off the pitch in his second appearance.
The decision-makers at Al Hilal are concerned that given the wages Neymar is on and the lack of a guarantee that he will regain his fitness or his best form, they would be best served to cut their losses and release him. Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as an ideal replacement, with Al Hilal seeking to bolster the squad and the Portuguese forward looking to play with a well-rounded team capable of winning trophies.
The winter window will open in a few weeks, and Al Hilal might look into getting the Ronaldo deal done in January. With both clubs owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, negotiations might not be too challenging. However, the PIF has indicated that clubs need to work towards self-sustainability, meaning Al Nassr’s hierarchy will not be willing to make it easy for Al Hilal. Whether a move happens in the winter or in the summer, Ronaldo and Neymar’s future seem to be linked at the moment.
