Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Murghabel Comments on Neymar Jr. and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Futures
Omar Murgharbel, the Saudi Pro League’s CEO, has spoken about the futures of Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Hilal’s Neymar Jr. Both players have a few months left on their contracts with no indication of whether they will renew them.
Neymar, 34, has only made a handful of appearances for Al Hilal since joining. A long-term injury kept him out for a year, and he only returned recently. Having joined Al Hilal for €90 million from PSG, he’s failed to make an impact in the SPL, and both the club and the player might be looking into ending their relationship.
Neymar has already been linked with a move away, with Inter Miami being touted as his next destination after the Brazilian forward purchased a home in Miami. Speaking on Neymar’s future, Murgharbel noted that Neymar offered value to the league beyond his contributions on the pitch and his future; he said, “But what the future holds, that’s something the player and the club have to discuss.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s free agency move from Manchester United to Al Nassr saw him start a revolution that saw the SPL rise in profile in a short time. He’s been phenomenal for Al Nassr, breaking individual records as he continues to defy father time at the age of 39. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has failed to lift any trophies at Al Nassr.
Ronaldo has expressed a desire to make the next World Cup his last, so that means he’s not retiring just yet. Speculations about his future have ranged from retirement to a switch to Al Hilal. He’d have a better chance of silverware with Al Hilal, given the team is well-rounded. Speaking on the same, Murgharbel said, “All discussions around the duration, the contract, and re-signing is a matter between Ronaldo and the club to agree on whether that’s something that’s going to happen or not.”
Both Neymar and Ronaldo have had an immense impact on the SPL in different ways. They’ve been instrumental in making the Saudi move appealing to top players from European leagues. For now, they will be focusing on what is next for them after their current contracts end.
