Al Nassr have a tough task on their hands if they are to win Cristiano Ronaldo a first Saudi Pro League title in 2024/25.
Al Hilal finished 14 points ahead of their rivals at the top of the table last season and Luis Castro’s men suffered a stumbling start to the new campaign when they drew 1-1 with Al Raed.
The claimed a maiden win in style on Tuesday, beating Al Feiha 4-1 as Ronaldo expertly dispatched a free-kick for his 899th career goal.
However, one of Ronaldo’s long-time international colleagues has now decided to bolster Al Hilal’s title defence.
Manchester City confirmed Joao Cancelo had completed his anticipated switch to Saudi, ending five years with the club.
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Versatile attacking full-back Cancelo was integral to City’s Premier League title wins in 2020/21 and 2021/22. However, a bust-up with boss Pep Guardiola preceded a loan move to Bayern Munich midway through the 2022/23 season. City knocked Cancelo and Bayern out of the UEFA Champions League en route to a historic treble.
The 30-year-old spent last term on loan at Barcelona and has now become the latest star to join the Saudi Pro League on big wages. Ronaldo will hope his next reunion with an old friend is not bittersweet.
