The football transfer rumour mill has been set ablaze with speculation surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, following the high-profile move of Karim Benzema to rivals Al-Hilal. The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar was conspicuously absent from Al-Nassr's recent 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League, a match that coincided with the official confirmation of Benzema's transfer from Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo's Reported Discontent with Saudi Investment Fund
Reports suggest that Ronaldo is growing increasingly dissatisfied with the influence wielded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds stakes in both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. The fund, which also has a significant interest in Newcastle United, is allegedly controlling key affairs at the clubs, a situation that has purportedly left Ronaldo feeling unsettled. Adding to his frustration is the signing of his former Real Madrid teammate, Benzema, by a direct rival, casting fresh doubt on his long-term commitment to Al-Nassr.
Other Transfer Window Tales from Across Europe
Beyond the Saudi Arabian drama, the January transfer window has been rife with near-misses and denied rumours across Europe's top leagues. Dwight McNeil's proposed move from Everton to Crystal Palace collapsed at the eleventh hour after Jean-Philippe Mateta's switch to Milan fell through, leading Palace to alter their offer from a permanent deal to a loan with an option to buy.
In North London, Tottenham Hotspur failed to secure the signature of Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche before the deadline, a situation that has reportedly incensed club captain Cristian Romero. The defender took to social media to label the lack of activity as "disgraceful," though Spurs may revisit the deal in the summer.
Manchester United's Transfer Turmoil
Manchester United's deadline day was not without its own controversies. Left-back Tyrell Malacia was reportedly left angered after director of football Jason Wilcox blocked a proposed move to Besiktas, with the player's plane allegedly already on the tarmac. Meanwhile, on-loan forward Marcus Rashford is said to be determined to make his temporary move to Barcelona permanent, with no desire to return to Old Trafford, despite interest from interim manager Michael Carrick.
Managerial Speculation and Bundesliga Bizarre
Looking ahead, speculation is mounting over Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City, with names like Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fàbregas, and Enzo Maresca being floated as potential successors should he depart this summer. The club has dismissed the rumours as "pure speculation," but the sense of an early exit persists.
In a curious Bundesliga anecdote, Union Berlin's managing director Horst Heldt claimed he was offered the chance to sign Raheem Sterling, who recently terminated his lucrative contract with Chelsea. Heldt dismissed the approach as not seeming "serious," and the club opted not to pursue it further.
