Cristiano Ronaldo transfer would be “unusual”, says Al Hilal CEO

Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada said it would be an unusual situation if his club happen to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese contract with Al Hilal’s arch-rivals Al Nassr expires on June 30. But earlier in the month, Ronaldo ended speculation regarding his future by confirming he will remain at Al Nassr.

Al Hilal were linked with a possible deal to sign Ronaldo during the additional transfer window.

“And who haven’t they linked us with?” Calzada told Diario As.

“Cristiano too, of course. Well, we’re a bit like Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia, we’re the club that everyone leaks stories about because they might be interested in something … Sometimes it’s true, but a lot of it isn’t. It reminds me of the early days of Manchester City … when it seemed like every player had an offer from City. We’ve adopted a policy of not commenting on rumors. At the end of the day, Al Nassr [Cristiano’s former team] is like Atlético and Al Hilal is like Madrid.

“It would be a very unusual situation to strengthen your team with a player from your eternal rival.”

Al Hilal has not made any major signings heading into the Club World Cup but appointed Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach after the Italian parted with Inter Milan, following their UEFA Champions League loss against PSG.

Al Hilal were also targeting Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes but the Portuguese midfielder denied a very generous offer from Saudi Pro League giants as he wanted to continue playing in the biggest tournament of Europe.

Calzada said many top-level players wants to join Al Hilal.

“We’ve had top-level coaches who have offered their services and insisted on coming, and the same goes for top players,” Calzada said.

“Top, top players … And we have a very, very strong squad. The positive thing about seeing so many big names associated with us is that people are no longer amazed or see it as something impossible, but rather think it’s something that could happen, and that shows what kind of club we are.”