Transfer speculation: Salah or Fernandes as potential replacements for Ronaldo at Al Nassr?
Al Nassr is preparing for the potential arrival of either Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah or Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes to take over the position left by Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, while Real Madrid is considering a bid for Manchester City’s Rodri. Stay tuned for the latest updates on transfers and rumors from around the world.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Cristiano Ronaldo may depart Al Nassr to return to Sporting CP, as Saudi Pro League officials are looking to fill the void left by the Portugal star with either Mohamed Salah or Bruno Fernandes, according to The I Paper. Ronaldo missed his second consecutive match for Al Nassr on Friday due to an ongoing disagreement with the club, with sources informing ESPN that the 41-year-old is currently boycotting games due to dissatisfaction with the support for his team from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) during the winter transfer window. Sporting has been linked with re-signing their former youth player, who has a £43 million release clause in his contract that activates in the summer. The I Paper reports that Saudi officials are no longer concerned about Ronaldo’s potential departure and will instead focus on intensifying their search for a replacement. Both Liverpool’s Salah and Manchester United’s Fernandes have been long-standing targets for the league.
– Real Madrid is preparing a significant offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer as the Premier League club anticipates a possible overhaul following Pep Guardiola’s tenure, according to TEAMtalk. Los Blancos aim to address a perceived deficiency in leadership within the squad and view Spain international Rodri as a potential captain and an ideal candidate to bring experience and presence. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has previously indicated he would contemplate a move to the Spanish capital, and with Guardiola’s future at City uncertain, this summer may present an opportune moment.
– Manchester United is keen on acquiring Manuel Locatelli from Juventus this summer, as reported by Calciomercato. It has been a challenging week for the Serie A club, which has already been eliminated from the Coppa Italia by Atalanta and now faces the prospect of losing a player they regard as a key midfielder. Locatelli, 28, is among the Bianconeri’s top performers, and the former Sassuolo player is believed to have initiated discussions with United officials.
– Chelsea is looking to renew its pursuit of FC Porto striker and long-term target Samu Aghehowa, according to TEAMtalk. The Blues have been interested in the 21-year-old Spain international since 2024, when he opted to move to Portugal instead. Since then, he has netted 47 goals in 76 appearances for the club, further heightening interest in him at Stamford Bridge.
– Inter Milan and several MLS clubs are attempting to lure striker Weston McKennie away from Juventus this summer, according to Tuttosport. The United States men’s national team international has been a regular starter under Juve manager Luciano Spalletti, and Bianconeri officials are prioritizing securing the 27-year-old’s commitment to the club beyond his current contract, which expires in June. However, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta is hopeful that a remarkable free transfer could be on the horizon. Meanwhile, MLS teams are eager to bring back a player who symbolizes the USMNT but has not played at the club level in the league since leaving FC Dallas to join Schalke 04 as a youth player.
EXPERT TAKE
play2:41Marcotti: Ronaldo should realise it’s not all about him
Gab & Juls discuss Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to go on strike over a lack of transfers for Al Nassr.
DONE DEALS
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool representatives are engaged in discussions with defender Ibrahima Konaté in hopes of finalizing a new contract with the 26-year-old defender. (Football Insider)
– Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, but Liverpool will not be among the clubs looking to re-sign him if he becomes available. Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation. (TEAMtalk)
– Manchester United aims to convince midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to extend his contract at Old Trafford beyond 2027, when his current deal is set to expire. The Reds are willing to significantly increase the England international’s salary to deter interest from clubs such as Napoli. (talkSPORT)
– Newcastle United is leading a group of Premier League teams interested in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. The 25-year-old’s contract runs until 2027, and the Magpies are exploring potential replacements for Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. (TEAMtalk)
– Four LaLiga clubs — Real Ovideo, Sevilla, Elche, and Getafe — are reportedly interested in signing attacking midfielder Dele Alli on a short-term contract. The 29-year-old is currently without a club after his contract with Como was terminated in September. (talkSPORT)
– Celtic is poised to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a free agent. The 32-year-old is without a club after leaving Besiktas and has been training with the Gunners. (Sky Sports)
– Flamengo is preparing to make another attempt to sign Bournemouth striker Evanilson in January after a previous approach was rejected in the January window. (Ekrem Konur)
– Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old defender Emmanuel Mbemba has declined a professional contract at the French club and may instead move to Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen. (L’Equipe)
– Colombian playmaker Jhon Arias is set to transfer to Palmeiras from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £21.7m. (talkSPORT)
