Cristiano Ronaldo’s name has once again surfaced in transfer speculations, but this time, the possibility of a loan move to Al-Hilal has been firmly dismissed. The Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have ruled out any chance of bringing the Portugal legend on loan, despite FIFA’s introduction of an additional transfer window ahead of the revamped Club World Cup.
Esteve Calzada, the Chief Executive of Al-Hilal, labelled the idea of signing Ronaldo, who currently plays for their arch-rivals Al-Nassr, as “completely counter-intuitive.” Speaking to BBC Sport, Calzada emphasized that while they respect Ronaldo’s legacy, acquiring him temporarily would make little sense strategically.
“It’s certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you,” Calzada said. “Even more when it’s only for three to four weeks.”
FIFA Transfer Window Spurs Speculation
FIFA’s surprise decision to introduce an additional transfer window before the Club World Cup sparked rumors of high-profile moves, including a short-term switch for Ronaldo. However, Calzada clarified that Al-Hilal had no real intention of pursuing such a deal.
“You don’t want to take a decision thinking about this tournament that then you have to carry on with for the next two or three years,” he added, pointing out the long-term implications of short-term signings.
Al-Hilal’s Stance on Big-Name Signings
The club recently appointed Simone Inzaghi as head coach and continues to be linked with elite players like Darwin Nunez and Victor Osimhen. Despite the speculation, Calzada maintained that Al-Hilal will only pursue players who show genuine desire to join.
“We are targeting the biggest players, but we also need to see hunger from the player himself. We don’t print money here. Deals must make sense on both sides,” he stated.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, citing his ambition to play at the highest level. Calzada did not confirm the offer but affirmed the club’s ability to pitch to top-tier players.
Despite Neymar playing only seven games due to injuries, Calzada insisted the club has no regrets. “His arrival helped us boost our global popularity. When Neymar came, our social media followers surged, and many of them have stayed. That’s a legacy.”
Also Read:
Simone Inzaghi Tasked with Trophies
Following a disappointing season that saw Al-Hilal finish second behind Al-Ittihad and exit the Asian Champions League semi-finals, the club hired Simone Inzaghi. The Italian, who recently led Inter Milan to multiple trophies, was brought in to restore the club’s winning culture.
“We expect him to help us win again. This season we came second, and that’s below par for our expectations,” said Calzada.
Al-Hilal will face Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener in Miami, a rematch of the 2022 final. Calzada confirmed that the team enters the tournament with ambition, not just for exposure.
“We’re not here just to swap shirts. We have a strong squad and a top-tier coach. We aim to show our true level.”
Al-Hilal Transfer Strategy Summary
| Key Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Ronaldo Loan | Dismissed as counter-intuitive due to rivalry with Al-Nassr |
| Transfer Window | FIFA’s new window sparked speculation but no major moves made |
| Target Players | Darwin Nunez, Victor Osimhen (rumored), Bruno Fernandes (rejected offer) |
| Coaching | Simone Inzaghi appointed to bring trophies back |
| Neymar Impact | Boosted global popularity despite injury-hit spell |
| Club World Cup | Ambitious campaign with strong squad and coaching setup |
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s rumored move to Al-Hilal was never on the cards, and club CEO Esteve Calzada’s candid remarks reflect a focus on long-term vision rather than headline-chasing signings. With Simone Inzaghi at the helm, Al-Hilal is poised to compete fiercely at the Club World Cup and in upcoming transfer windows. The club remains one of the most ambitious in the Saudi Pro League, blending competitive goals with smart financial strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Why did Al Hilal reject the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo on loan?
Al Hilal considered it counter-intuitive to loan Ronaldo, as he plays for their biggest rival, Al Nassr, and the deal didn’t align with their long-term strategy.
2: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the Club World Cup 2025?
While Ronaldo is expected to feature for Al Nassr, he will not join Al Hilal and will likely compete against them if both clubs progress in the tournament.
3: Is Al Hilal planning more signings before the Club World Cup?
Al Hilal is keeping its options open for top-tier signings, but they’re focused on long-term squad building and avoiding short-term deals.