Ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly in line for a return to the Premier League. Displaced by Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham are all said to be monitoring the 26-year-old as he seeks a redemption arc to silence the critics who once labelled him a flop at Anfield.
The race for the Saudi Pro League title has taken a dramatic turn in favour of Al-Nassr. While Cristiano Ronaldo continues his clinical goal-scoring form, leading his side back to the top of the table, their rivals are reeling under the weight of shocking medical updates. With the confirmed absence of Al-Hilal striker Karim Benzema due to an adductor muscle injury, the path to silverware looks clearer than ever for the Portuguese icon and the Yellow side of Riyadh.
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 d’Or winner change clubs during the winter transfer window.
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.
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.
Mohamed Salah has reportedly emerged as Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad's number one priority to replace Karim Benzema. The Egyptian has long been a target for Saudi Arabian clubs and has endured a disappointing campaign so far, hitting out at Liverpool in December before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations. The 33-year-old signed a new contract with the Reds last April but his future is up in the air having only scored six club goals this season.
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.