Is Cristiano Ronaldo Eyeing Saudi Arabia Club In January Transfer Window?

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't secure a move away from Manchester United in the summer, but he is expected to attract more interest from Saudi Arabia in January.

During the last transfer window, the Portuguese footballer made it clear that he wanted out of Old Trafford. But links to leading clubs in Europe like Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Roma delivered no deal before another deadline passed, reported Goal.

The only formal offers put to the 37-year-old came from the Middle East. Further approaches from that region are expected to be made in the coming months. Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Association said that they would love to see a player like "Ronaldo playing in the Saudi League." He thinks that it would bring a huge "positive feedback and it would be big news for everyone." He is sure that everyone knows the achievements and records of Ronaldo, but also as a "player who is a great role model."

When he was asked whether he expected a Saudi club to make an offer for Ronaldo in the January window, Al-Misehal said that he didn't have the answer. He shared that had he been the president of a club, he could have given the answer. He noted that his colleagues at the clubs "don't have to share their negotiations with me."

Al-Misehal added that it wouldn't be an easy transaction for a Saudi club or even for Ronaldo, but "we would love to see him or even some other top players of the same level."

During the summer transfer, Ronaldo got a concrete offer from Saudi champions Al Hilal. Rivals Al Nassr were also said to be keen on having Ronaldo with them. But a move to the Middle East did not appeal to the footballer at that time. Still clubs from there continue to monitor his situation and they have the resources to come with a huge offer either in January or next summer to see if they change his mind.

According to The Sun, Manchester United can expect another offer from Saudi Arabia for Ronaldo. Daily Mail reported that Saudi Arabian clubs will reportedly not give up trying to lure him to their league.

The footballer, who had been hoping to find a Champions League stage to grace in 2022-23, is currently under contract at Old Trafford for the rest of the season. The club has an option to extend it by 12 months.

He has found himself restricted to a substitute role under Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag through the early stages of the new season.