Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr pushing to sign Liverpool star to bolster squad - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr are reportedly pushing to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker this summer. They have identified the Brazilian as the top priority replacement for David Ospina.
Ospina joined Al Nassr from Napoli in 2022 and made 29 appearances for them, keeping 14 clean sheets. However, he's set to leave as a free agent this summer and return to Colombian side Atletico Nacional. Hence, the Saudi Arabian club are on the lookout for a replacement.
As per TEAMtalk, the Knights of Njad are highly interested in signing Alisson this summer. They are pushing to sign him as they look to strengthen their squad which already boasts of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and former Liverpool star Sadio mane. They finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season behind Al Hilal are keen to reach the summit next season.
However, signing Alisson won't be easy as the Brazilian goalkeeper would prefer to stay in Europe and compete at the highest level. He has now spent six years with Liverpool, keeping 114 clean sheets in 263 appearances and winning every trophy available. His contract expires in 2027.
However, with Jurgen Klopp's departure, there could be an opening for the likes of Al Nassr to sign him. In case they fail to sign him, the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side have identified Wojciech Szczesny as another option.
Former Liverpool star on Cristiano Ronaldo featuring for Portugal in Euro 2024 dead rubber against Georgia
Portugal had an excellent start to their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign and won their first two games against Czechia and Turkiye. They were guaranteed a top spot in the group coming into the final game against Georgia on Wednesday, June 26.
Roberto Martinez rested most of the first-team players, making eight changes to the lineup. However, captain Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the three who started alongside Diogo Costa and Joao Palhinha. Former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchinson though, didn't understand the 39-year-old's inclusion in the starting XI. He said:
“I get the feeling that Roberto Martinez has had a one-way conversation, and Ronaldo said, ‘I’m playing’.
“It makes no sense to me, apart from if you’re chasing personal records. Pepe has been rested. Ronaldo is nearly 40, makes sense to me (in resting him), especially since you’ve qualified. The most important game is the game after (the one against Georgia).”
Cristiano Ronaldo was eventually subbed off in the 66th minute and Portugal shockingly lost 2-0 against Georgia. They still topped Group F and will face Slovenia in the Round of 16 in Frankfurt on July 1.