Nothing will change – Cristiano Ronaldo intends to remain at Al Nassr

 Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he intends to stay with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

There had been speculation – fuelled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino – the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could join a club competing in this summer’s Club World Cup on a short-term deal.

The 40-year-old had also hinted his future could lie elsewhere when he posted a message on social media at the end of Al Nassr’s season that read: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”

But speaking after Portugal’s triumph over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday – in which Ronaldo scored his 138th international goal – the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said he would not be moving on.

“Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” the forward told reporters.

Ronaldo joined the Saudi Pro League side in December 2022 after a second spell at United ended in controversy following an interview in which he criticised the Premier League club.

His contract in Riyadh was due to expire this summer, prompting speculation linking him with Brazilian club Botafogo, who are involved in the Club World Cup.

Infantino added credence to the reports by saying “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams” featuring at the tournament in the United States and that “there are discussions with some clubs”.

This comes after Infantino and governing body FIFA were criticised over the manner in which they handed a host nation spot at the event to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami without them winning Major League Soccer.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/nothing-will-change-cristiano-ronaldo-intends-to-remain-at-al-nassr-41222940

Liverpool reject Barcelona approach for Luis Diaz

 

Liverpool have turned down an approach from Barcelona for Luis Diaz and have insisted the winger is not for sale.

Barcelona contacted Liverpool to discuss a deal for Diaz on Wednesday but their enquiry has been met with a strong response.

Diaz has been linked with an exit having failed to agree terms on an extension to his contract, which runs until 2027. The expected arrival of Florian Wirtz will also increase competition for places but Liverpool have insisted that Diaz remains a part of the club’s plans for next season.

The Colombia international was a key part of Liverpool’s title-winning side and scored 17 goals in all competitions in 2024/25. Barcelona had earmarked Diaz for their left-wing role, having failed in an approach to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao last summer.

The Athletic are reporting that the Spanish champions have been informed that Diaz is not for sale. Saudi Pro League sides had also been keen on a deal for Diaz, though the winger has shown no interest in wanting to leave Anfield.

Despite the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer this summer and Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain contract situation, Liverpool feel the right move is to ‘maximise’ Diaz’s performance value, over his financial worth.

There is a feeling within the Liverpool board that it would be difficult to find a replacement of similar quality, unless the bid for Diaz is too good to refuse.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/liverpool-reject-barcelona-approach-for-luis-diaz-41207187