Al Nassr’s Strategic Push for Manchester City Talent: The Ronaldo Influence
Al Nassr continues to aggressively target elite talent from the Premier League, specifically focusing on Manchester City’s midfield core. Driven by the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League side is looking to bolster its squad with world-class experience to maintain its competitive edge in Asia and beyond.
The Pursuit of Bernardo Silva
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has emerged as a primary target for Al Nassr. The Portugal international, who has been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution since 2017, is now facing uncertainty regarding his future at the Etihad Stadium. While Silva signed a contract extension in 2023 that runs until 2026, the agreement includes a release clause that makes a transfer feasible for a club with significant financial backing [1].
The situation has intensified following reports from transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who stated that Silva’s plan is to leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer [2]. Despite being recently appointed as club captain following the exit of Kevin De Bruyne, Silva’s versatility and quality produce him a high-priority target for the Saudi giants [1].
The Mateo Kovacic Interest
Al Nassr’s interest in City’s midfield isn’t limited to Silva. The club previously made a significant push for Mateo Kovacic. Reports indicate that Cristiano Ronaldo personally pushed the club to complete a deal for the Croatian midfielder [3].
To lure Kovacic away from Manchester, Al Nassr was prepared to offer a staggering contract worth approximately £840,000 per week—roughly six times his earnings at City [3]. However, the transfer failed to materialize because Al Nassr could not clear sufficient space on their international roster before the deadline [3].
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Unofficial Recruiter
Beyond his role on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo has transitioned into an unofficial recruiter for Al Nassr. By leveraging his international connections, particularly with fellow Portuguese stars like Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo is actively helping the club identify and attract top-tier talent [2].
- Bernardo Silva: Target for a summer move; reportedly plans to leave City as a free agent.
- Mateo Kovacic: Previous target with a reported £840,000/week offer; deal blocked by roster limits.
- Ronaldo’s Role: Acts as a primary recruiter, using personal ties to attract elite players to the Saudi Pro League.
- City’s Position: Depth improvements with players like Rayan Cherki, Oscar Bobb, and Phil Foden may facilitate senior exits.
Future Outlook
As the transfer window approaches, Al Nassr is positioned to move quickly on financial packages that match existing salaries and satisfy club demands. With the Saudi Pro League continuing its aggressive expansion, the link between Al Nassr and Manchester City’s squad is likely to remain a focal point of the summer market.