Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr keen on signing Manchester City superstar in the January transfer window - Reports
Al-Nassr are reportedly prepared to move for a new European teammate for Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, identifying Mateo Kovacic as a transfer target. The Saudi Pro League outfit are keen to further strengthen their squad as they aim to wrest power from rivals Al-Hilal.
Saudi giants Al-Nassr have regularly targeted players from Europe, with the likes of Ahmed Musa, David Ospina, and Anderson Talisca as clear examples. Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in 2023 saw the club take on a more aggressive approach to recruiting top stars from around the world.
They appointed Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro as its Sporting Director earlier this year, and he appears to have implemented a multi-window plan. The Knights of Najd are now looking to sign Kovacic from Manchester City as their next big-name purchase, as per journalist James Benge (via Centre Goals).
Al-Nassr will tempt Mateo Kovacic with a weekly wage of around $1 million, as per the report from the journalist. The Croatian midfielder will have the opportunity of a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he played during his time at Real Madrid. They shared the pitch 81 times, combining for three goals.
Kovacic is on the books of Manchester City, having joined the Premier League champions from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The 30-year-old has started the 2024-25 season in fine form, scoring in the opening-day win at Chelsea.
Al-Nassr, meanwhile, are intentional in their pursuit of success, signing a good number of quality players this summer. They added the Brazilian trio of Bento, Wesley, and Angelo Gabriel, as well as defenders Mohamed Simakan and Salem Al-Najdi.
Cristiano Ronaldo pushing for Al-Nassr to sign former teammate - Reports
Al-Nassr ace Cristiano Ronaldo is pushing for his side to complete the signing of French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, as per Corriere dello Sport. The Saudi outfit are intent on strengthening their squad, and the midfielder has emerged as an option.
Rabiot is a free agent, having seen his contract at Juventus come to an end over the summer, and he has yet to sign with any club. He had interest from the Premier League and around Europe, but he remains without a club.
The Frenchman played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus, and the Portuguese forward is keen for his side to reunite them in Riyadh. Despite the transfer window having closed on September 2 in Saudi, the Knights of Najd could yet register Rabiot if they manage to sign him as a free agent.