Ronaldo DEMANDS Al-Nassr sign his 'best friend' as Kante closes in on Saudi Pro League

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 16 Jun 2023 09:05 BST
• 5 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence at Al-Nassr continues to grow since his January move to the Saudi Pro League side, with the Portugal international telling the club where to hold pre-season training and which moves to make in the transfer window.

The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend reportedly played a role in securing Karim Benzema’s signature for Al-Ittihad, and he is ready to bring another international star to Saudi Arabia this summer.

According to AS, Ronaldo wants William Carvalho to join him at Al-Nassr.

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The 31-year-old midfielder was, for a long period, linked to a string of Europe’s biggest clubs, with a move to the Premier League looking likely when he was with Sporting CP. Although that never materialised, he has enjoyed a strong career with Real Betis in LaLiga over the last five years and is under contract with the Spanish side until 2026.

Ronaldo, though, wants Al-Nassr to sign a player he has been close with since rooming with him on international duty. Indeed, the Spanish paper claims they are "best friends".

While the majority of players targeted by Pro League clubs have been available on a free transfer, Carvalho may prove more challenging to sign given that he has a long contract with Real Betis.

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Kante to join the Saudi Pro League

Definitely moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer is out-of-contract Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, who Fabrizio Romano says there are “no doubts” will join Benzema at Al-Ittihad.

Kante is set to become the second high-profile arrival in Saudi Arabia this summer after France international team-mate Karim Benzema, with Romano reporting that he will earn a wage of €100 million per season over the next two years.

Chelsea are expected to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton to replace Kante.