Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq close to loaning winger from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr: Reports
Al-Ettifaq are reportedly close to loaning one of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammates this summer. Winger Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa is believed to be close to signing for the Steven Gerrard-led side, as per news relayed by X account @ByanNassr.
The 20-year-old made 12 of his 14 senior appearances across competitions for Al-Nassr last season, scoring twice and registering an assist. This included a memorable brace in his team's 8-0 thrashing of Abha in the Saudi Pro League in April.
The tweet reads:
"🚨🚨 | Urgent - Middle East: Al-Ettifaq plans to borrow Mohamed Maran, and is close to signing Abdulaziz Al-Aleiwa."
However, Al-Aliwa could be on the fringes of first-team football if he does stay with Faris Najd next season. With the likes of Ronaldo, Otavio, Sadio Mane, local talents Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ayman Yahya, and Talisca at his disposal, Luis Castro has a stacked frontline.
Al-Ettifaq could, hence, represent a chance for Al-Aliwa to get playing time and continue his development. He can provide competition to former Leicester City winger Demarai Gray and 30-year-old Brazilian talent Vitinho down the flanks.
Al-Aliwa, now 20, moved to the Saudi giants' youth team in 2021 and has since risen through the ranks to become a contender for first-team football. He has represented his country in four different age groups, including the U23 level, but is yet to win a senior cap.
Al-Ettifaq have already signed Cristiano Ronaldo's former Al-Nassr teammate - Reports
Al-Ettifaq recently finalized the signing of Abdullah Madu from Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on a four-year contract. He was on loan at Steven Gerrard's SPL outfit last season, where he made 12 appearances across competitions.
Al-Nassr took to X to post a farewell video for the 15-cap Saudi Arabia international. The post read:
"With heartfelt gratitude, today we bid farewell to our cherished player, Abdullah Madu 💛 Thank you for all the wonderful moments you’ve given AlNassr. We wish you all the best in your future 🙏"
Madu, 31, had been on Al-Nassr's books throughout his career ever since he joined their academy as a teenager. The centre-back made 129 appearances across competitions for them before joining Al-Ettifaq in a permanent deal.
It remains to be seen if Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa follows suit and joins Gerrard's team for the upcoming season.