When you support a team, you naturally hope that the board of directors will sign the best players to dominate all titles and tournaments, both domestic and international.
However, sometimes a fan sees their board of directors bypassing a particular player or coach and opting for another name that does not have the consensus of a large segment of the team’s fans.
Signing a player or coach without widespread support may be for marketing reasons or to appease one of the stars in the first team.
For example, the Saudi club Al-Ittihad has completely changed its contractual policy during the current summer mercato to satisfy its disgruntled French striker, Karim Benzema. The federation, which was about to sign Italian coach Stefano Pioli and players of various nationalities, backed away from this at Benzema’s personal request and instead signed French coach Laurent Blanc and Algerian-French national Hossam Aouar, while approaching the Roosters winger Moussa Diaby.
Similarly, Inter Miami, which signed Argentine legend Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, exemplifies the “team of friends” concept. Inter Miami fulfilled Messi’s dream of reuniting him with his closest friends by signing the Spanish duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the same year, along with Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in the January 2024 mercato.
It seems that Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to follow in Messi’s footsteps by reuniting with his friends at Saudi club Al-Nassr, especially after two lackluster seasons with the first team. According to numerous reports, Ronaldo asked club officials to sign several international stars who had previously played with him.
Unlike Messi, forming Ronaldo’s “team of friends” at Al-Nassr appears to be more challenging than expected.
Goalkeepers
The first deal Al-Nassr aimed to secure this summer was signing Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny, Juventus’ goalkeeper. The deal would have cost Al-Nassr only €5 million, with Juventus and the player welcoming the contract completion. Szczesny, 34, had teamed up with Ronaldo at Juventus from 2018 to 2021.
However, new sporting director Fernando Hierro intervened, stopping the deal because he was not convinced of Szczesny’s potential. Hierro preferred Brazilian Alisson Becker from Liverpool but turned to Manchester City’s Ederson Moraes when Alisson rejected the idea of playing in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr reached a personal agreement with Ederson, but the Citizens’ high financial demands led Al-Nassr to sign Brazilian Pinto from Atletico Paranense for nearly $18 million.
Defensive Line
Ronaldo nominated Spanish defender Nacho Fernandes to join Al-Nassr’s first team. Nacho decided not to renew his contract with Real Madrid at the end of the 2023-2024 season, seeking new experiences. Al-Nassr awaited its budget from the Saudi Investment Fund to negotiate with Nacho, but the delay allowed Al-Qadisiyah, owned by Aramco, to sign him on a two-season contract until June 30, 2026.
Pivot Line
Ronaldo also pushed for Brazilian Carlos Casemiro, Manchester United’s midfielder, with whom he played at Real Madrid and briefly at Manchester United. Al-Nassr tried to sign Casemiro, but interest waned due to Manchester United’s high financial demands and differing opinions within Al-Nassr about his current level. It remains unclear if Al-Nassr will pursue Casemiro this summer.
Midfield
Ronaldo strongly advocated for compatriot Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s star midfielder. Al-Nassr negotiated with Manchester United, initially offering €90 million. However, due to insufficient support from the Saudi Investment Fund, negotiations stalled, and Fernandes is expected to stay at Manchester United for the 2024-2025 season.
Offensive Line
Ronaldo wanted to reunite with Argentine star Paulo Dybala, his former Juventus teammate. Although Dybala’s contract with Roma had a €12 million release clause, he refused Al-Nassr’s €60 million offer over three years, preferring to stay with Roma.
Technical Director
In the summer of 2023, Al-Nassr signed Portuguese coach Luis Castro at Ronaldo’s request. Castro began the season well but lost several championships, leading to speculation about his future. Ronaldo intervened, persuading the management to give Castro another chance for the 2024-2025 season while reinforcing the team with new signings.
Despite Ronaldo’s efforts, forming a “team of friends” at Al-Nassr has proven more challenging than anticipated.
