Cristiano Ronaldo continues to put the Saudi Pro League on the global map, making it clear that even at 38, he’s still one of the most influential athletes in the world. The Portuguese fell out of favor at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag, who quickly claimed the five-time Ballon d’Or wasn’t part of his plans, although he never publicly admitted it.
His ill-advised interview with Piers Morgan spelled the end of his United career. United terminated his contract with the club, leaving him without a club throughout his World Cup campaign in Qatar. He became the first global superstar to move to Saudi Arabia when Al-Nassr offered him a bumper contract to join their ranks.
Aymeric Laporte’s move to Al Nassr opens door for Ronaldo connection
Cristiano Ronaldo has credited himself for attracting high-profile players to the Saudi Pro League as he was the first star to join a Saudi club when he signed for Al-Nassr in January. He has since been joined by some of the world’s best players, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Alex Telles, and Fabinho, to mention but a few.
Aymeric Laporte may be the next star to join him in the Saudi Pro League as Al-Nassr are closing in on signing the Spanish center back from Manchester City. According to Talk Sport, Manchester City have accepted a verbal proposal from Al-Nassr for the Spaniard to move to the Gulf nation, making him the latest superstar signing for Saudi Arabia.
BREAKING: Manchester City have accepted an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for centre-back Aymeric Laporte 💰 pic.twitter.com/nzSTTSomUB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2023
Al-Hilal recently completed the signing of Neymar from PSG, bringing more attention to the Saudi Pro League, and Laporte joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr will further make the league more competitive than ever. Cristiano Ronaldo helped his team to the Arab Champions Cup glory last week by scoring a brace in the final against new Neymar’s team Al-Hilal.
When did City buy Laporte?
Guardiola had identified Laporte as the perfect center-back for his system in 2017, but the then-French international rejected a move to England and spent one more season at Athletic Bilbao. Pep Guardiola would get his player the following winter when City broke the club record fee to sign Laporte from Bilbao in a £57 million deal in 2018.
Aymeric Laporte has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City, as Guardiola prefers the more experienced and versatile Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji to the Spanish international.
Will Aymeric Laporte soon join the 5-times Ballon d’Or winner in Saudi Arabia? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
