Ronaldo desperate to bring ex-Man Utd teammate to Al Nassr

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 20 Jan 2024 10:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to bring one of his former Manchester United teammates to the Saudi Pro League, with the Al-Nassr star reportedly pressuring his club to make a move for Casemiro.

Ronaldo is hoping to bring another international superstar to Saudi Arabia and help close the gap on leaders Al-Hilal, who currently hold a seven point lead over Al-Nassr at the top of the Pro League.

A stumbling block for Al Nassr could be the fact that they have no more spots in their squad for foreign players, however speculation is rising over the future of Seko Fofana, who could be sold upon his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fofana only joined Al-Nassr from Lens in the summer but the 28-year-old has reported interest from other sides in the Saudi Pro League, including Al-Ettifaq, who are considering the Ivorian as a replacement for Jordan Henderson.

Should Fofana be sold, Al Nassr will have an extra foreign spot in their squad to use on a new addition and Foot Mercato claims that, while the club is leaning to re-registering goalkeeper David Ospina, Ronaldo has requested the signing of his ex-United and Real Madrid teammate.

Casemiro has endured a difficult season with injury and poor form and is said to be ‘interested’ in a move but a January exit could prove difficult, with United only willing to part ways with the Brazilian for a substantial fee.

United unlikely to sell Casemiro in January

Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford last summer for a fee of €70 million and the 31-year-old still has more than two years remaining on his contract, which is said to be worth more than €300,000-per-week.

The midfielder has only made eight Premier League appearances this season, featuring just once since the start of October due to injury and United’s new regime under Sir Jim Ratcliffe are open to his departure.

However, Erik ten Hag has previously insisted that Casemiro still has an important part to play in his squad and United would only be interested in a sale if they can sign a replacement – something which would be unlikely in January.

Consequently, Ronaldo’s ambition of linking up with his former compatriot could be put on hold until the summer, with another old teammate in Raphael Varane also likely to attract interest as his future also remains uncertain.