Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr contact Manchester City superstar's agent over potential transfer: Reports
Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne could reportedly link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr once his contract expires.
Sky Sport journalist Rudy Galetti reports that the Saudi Pro League giants have been in contact with De Bruyne's entourage. They want to set up a meeting to try and explain the details of the club's long-term project.
De Bruyne has two years left on his contract but Manchester City are growing wary of his injury record. The Belgian midfielder hasn't played for Pep Guardiola's treble-winners since the opening game of the season.
The 32-year-old has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and isn't expected back in action for a few more months. His injury issues are concerning the Cityzens and they are in no rush to hold talks over a contract extension.
Thus, Al-Nassr are dreaming of signing De Bruyne and having him help Cristiano Ronaldo continue his superb goalscoring feats in the Middle East. The City star was the top assister across Europe's big leagues last season, providing 31 assists and scoring 10 goals in 49 appearances across competitions.
De Bruyne once explained how playing in the same team as Ronaldo, 38, would help his assist tally skyrocket. He said in 2020 (via The Daily Mail):
"Someone like Cristiano, for me as a creative player you know he is going to be there so I want someone quick who can go deep, that would help me a lot. For what I do, strikers are the main importance."
The Belgium international has been at Manchester City since 2015 when he joined Guardiola's side from VfL Wolfsburg for €76 million. He's scored 96 goals and contributed 153 assists in 358 games.
Manchester City deny they were heavily interested in signing Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo made a groundbreaking return to Manchester United in 2021. However, there were suggestions that the five-time Ballon d'Or was wanted by their cross-city rivals at the Etihad.
The Red Devils legend insisted Manchester City wanted to sign him before he opted to head back to Old Trafford. He told British broadcaster Piers Morgan last year (via ESPN):
"Well, honestly, it was close... It's something they spoke [about] a lot and [Manchester City manager Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me."
Cristiano Ronaldo went on to explain the role his former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had in convincing him to snub City for their neighbors:
"But as you know, as my history [was] in Manchester United, your heart, your feeling... make the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson."
However, City responded to those claims with sources telling the aforementioned source that they were false. Ronaldo spent just under two years back at Old Trafford before making an unceremonious departure following his interview with Morgan.
The five-time UEFA Champions League winner has bounced back from his United woes since joining Al-Nassr in January. He's bagged 26 goals and eight assists in 31 games across competitions.