Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been brutally axed from the Al-Hilal squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema. The Saudi Pro League heavyweights, who have their sights set on another domestic title triumph, acquired ex-Real Madrid star Benzema during the winter transfer window. There is now no room in their ranks for Uruguay international Nunez.
Karim Benzema reportedly provoked former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after sealing his controversial transfer to Al-Hilal, with the French forward said to have sent a Saudi Pro League title joke to a disgruntled friend that has taken strike action at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo was left frustrated at seeing a fellow Ballon dâOr winner change clubs during the winter transfer window.
Harry Kane has been targeted by Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, per a new report from Kicker. The England captain has a contract until 2027 but the new report states that a release clause may well exist in his current deal. Kane has impressed again this season with Bayern, scoring 24 times in just 21 Bundesliga games for the Bavarians.
Karim Benzema became caught up in an angry exchange with a journalist following his stunning debut for Al-Hilal. The veteran French striker has sparked remarkable scenes in the Saudi Pro League - with Cristiano Ronaldo going on strike - after completing a free transfer. Benzema has refuted suggestions that he left Al-Ittihad without saying goodbye to his former team-mates.
Cristiano Ronaldo has threatened to leave Al-Nassr in the summer as he continues his strike action against the club, CBS Sports reports. The Portugal superstar missed the 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh in protest at PIF's decision to transfer Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always have so much bad luck?!... First, Erik ten Hag didn't recognise his unrivalled ability at Manchester United, then Fernando Santos ruined his 2022 World Cup bid with Portugal. And now, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia are conspiring to make sure his trophy drought in the Middle East extends to three-and-a-half seasons. Give the guy a break!...
Karim Benzema has ignited a storm in the Saudi Pro League by branding his new club Al-Hilal the "Real Madrid in Asia" immediately after completing a controversial transfer from rivals Al-Ittihad. While the Frenchman eyes more silverware, the move is said to have infuriated Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly attempted to block it.
Cristiano Ronaldo has not left Riyadh and continues to train with Al-Nassr, debunking reports of a strike. The Portuguese legend remains furious over the club's lack of transfer activity and the controversy surrounding Karim Benzema's proposed move to Al-Hilal, but a return to his homeland has been ruled out as he eyes the MLS or Europe for his next step.
Three years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the sporting world by joining Al-Nassr. Six months later, the Portuguese trailblazer was joined in the Saudi Pro League by a number of high-profile players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte. Some of those superstars were clearly past their prime, but the mere fact that they were willing to move to the Middle East felt significant.
Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day. The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldoâs influence in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly impacting three high-profile deals that were being lined up late in the winter transfer window. Portuguese GOAT CR7 is frustrated at how things are playing out at Al-Nassr and is looking to flex his muscles when it comes to business being done by domestic rivals in the Middle East.
Mexican striker JuliĂĄn QuiĂąones continues his red-hot run in the Saudi Pro League, scoring his 17th goal of the season in Al-Qadsiahâs draw against league leaders Al-Hilal. His powerful header in the 76th minute extended his scoring streak to eight straight matches and temporarily lifted him above Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
Manchester United have suffered a major transfer setback as long-term target Ruben Neves is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with Al-Hilal. Despite holding talks with the Red Devils in December, the midfielder is in advanced negotiations to remain in Saudi Arabia, ending Michael Carrick's hopes of a January reinforcement.
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Joao Cancelo on loan from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Cancelo's move back to Catalunya, where he spent the 2023-24 season, was initially announced earlier on Tuesday, but the club had to delete all traces of this unveiling as the transfer had not actually been completed yet.
Barcelona fans were left confused on Tuesday after the club announced the return of Joao Cancelo only to immediately wipe all evidence from their social media channels. The Portuguese full-back had been pictured signing a contract to seal his loan move from Al-Hilal, but a delay in paperwork led to a hasty retreat by the club's media team as they wait for the final green light.
Manchester United are set to accelerate their pursuit of Ruben Neves after reaching an agreement in principle with Michael Carrick to take over as interim manager. With the 44-year-old winning the race against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to succeed Ruben Amorim, INEOS are preparing to release funds immediately to land the ÂŁ20m-rated Al-Hilal star in the January transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo was clearly disappointed at being substituted during Al-Nassrâs crucial Saudi Pro League clash with fellow title hopefuls Al-Hilal. The Portuguese superstar did not take kindly to seeing his iconic No.7 held up during the closing stages of that contest. The five-time Ballon dâOr winner aired his frustration while trudging towards the touchline.
Cristiano Ronaldo is facing another trophy-less season at Al-Nassr after his team threw away a one-goal lead in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Al-Hilal. The Portugal international put his side ahead shortly before half time but a second half to forget may have again ended their hopes of winning the league title. The former Real Madrid man is yet to win any major silverware since moving to the Middle East three years ago and now they are seven points behind Al-Hilal after 14 games.
Joao Cancelo has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of a loan move from Al Hilal. The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 season with the Catalan outfit after falling out of favour at Manchester City. More than two years later, the experienced full-back is temporarily pausing his time in the Middle East to head back to the defending La Liga champions.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed the club are closing in on a deal to re-sign Joao Cancelo on loan. The full-back spent the 2023-24 season with Barca after being forced out of the first-team picture at Manchester City, but the Catalan side declined the chance to sign him permanently. But Cancelo is set to return to Camp Nou for the rest of 2025-26.