Saudi Pro League news

The January transfer window has become an increasingly frugal period in modern times, as leading clubs largely save their pennies for extravagant summer splurges. Instead, many will be looking to the free-agent market and the possibility of laying the groundwork to sign a potentially key player for absolutely nothing. As it stands, there are plenty of big names who could be available on a free transfer in the summer.

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Ex-Manchester City star Joao Cancelo is edging towards another mid-season transfer, with reports indicating the full-back is preparing to leave Al-Hilal when the January window opens. A return to Barcelona has emerged as a realistic possibility, with interest also coming from Italy as Europe’s elite look to bolster their squads.

Cristiano Ronaldo struck a note of defiance after Al-Nassr were forced to settle for a pulsating 2-2 draw against Al-Ettifaq, a result that brought their 10-match winning streak in the Saudi Pro League to an abrupt halt. Ronaldo was again among the goals, extending his astonishing career tally to 957, but it was former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum who ultimately shaped the contest, producing a superb brace to deny the league leaders maximum points.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix were on target for Al-Nassr but ex-Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum stole the limelight with an incredible brace as Al-Ettifaq held Al-Nassr to a thrilling 2-2 draw to ended their 10-game winning streak in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo took his career goals tally to 957 with an unusual effort as Felix's shot deflected off his back and went in.

Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has revealed why Cristiano Ronaldo is his biggest idol. The Dane has followed in Ronaldo's famous footsteps by playing for the Red Devils but is currently shining with Napoli after moving to the Serie A side on a season-long loan. Hojlund says that he has always been a big admirer of Ronaldo's mentality, rock solid confidence and hunger for goals.

Paul Pogba has thanked former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo while accepting his Best Comeback Award at a special ceremony. The French midfielder was banned for four years after testing positive for high testosterone levels while playing for Juventus in September 2023 but after his suspension was reduced to 18 months, he made his return to football at Monaco after 811 days out of the sport.

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and clubs will once again be scrambling to strengthen for the second half of the season. In the 2025 winter market, £1.2 billion ($1.4bn) was spent across Europe's top leagues and the English Championship, the highest mark in seven years, with Manchester City accounting for £191 million ($256m) of that amount alone.

Antonio Rudiger could return to Chelsea as the Real Madrid star is weighing up a Premier League return. Rudiger's current Los Blancos contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign and he has yet to agree to sign on a new extension. The German defender has been tipped with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu next summer as he could also link up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid future is under fresh scrutiny after stalled contract talks left the Brazilian weighing his options, with Saudi Arabia circling. Al-Ittihad sporting director Ramon Planes has now made a bold prediction, insisting it is realistic that elite players like Vinicius could move to the Middle East during their prime years.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to put aside his long-running rivalry with Lionel Messi and play out his career with him at Inter Miami. The two sporting icons are among the greatest footballers to ever play the game but they have often been pitted against one another this century. But as the 40-year-old contemplates life after Al-Nassr, speculation is mounting that he may want to be Messi's team-mate in Major League Soccer in one last hurrah.

Cristiano Ronaldo starred with a brace on Saturday night as Al-Nassr registered a record 10th consecutive win in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese legend scored twice, while Joao Felix added a third, as the Saudi giants beat Al Akhdoud 3-0 and increased their lead over Al-Hilal at the top of the table to four points after collecting 30 from their first 10 outings in the 2025-26 campaign.

How to watch the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr FC and Al Akhdoud, as well as kick-off time and team news.

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona as his representatives prepare to hold a fresh round of talks with the Saudi Pro League over a lucrative move to the Middle East. The Poland international is also being courted by Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Ronaldo took his first tentative steps down that path while on the books of Manchester United, having joined the Red Devils from Sporting in 2003. He won the Premier League title at Old Trafford, along with the first of five Champions League crowns and a handful of Ballons d’Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming to become the first player in history to score 1,000 professional goals, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez does not view it as a "goal". The Portugal captain, whose career has been defined by shattered records and relentless ambition, has his sights set on finishing at the very top, yet those closest to him insist the pursuit of the landmark milestone is not driving his every move.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly splashed out an eye-popping £7 million to buy two properties on a secluded private island off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar has purchased two villas costing approximately £3.5m each at the exclusive Nujuma resort which is located in middle of the Red Sea and is only accessible by seaplane or boat.