Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Alleged Transfer of Otavio to Al Nassr
Key Highlights :
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence on the claims that he is trying to engineer the transfer of another European star to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The world-renowned football star, who signed for Al Nassr in the summer of 2019, has been linked with a move for Porto midfielder Otavio, but he has denied any concrete deal being in place.
Since the end of the 2022/23 season, Al Nassr have made some major signings, with the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly all making the switch to the Middle East country. Al Nassr also recently added former Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic to their ranks as a marquee signing, and it was reported last week that Ronaldo wanted another midfield addition to the team.
When asked about the reports, Ronaldo told reporters: “Many players are spoken about, I do not speak because I am not an agent. Otavio is spoken about, like 10 or 15 others who have spoken, there is still no news. Obviously we are going to strengthen the team, but there are no names yet.”
When asked directly if his club had closed a deal for Otavio, Ronaldo added: “Totally a lie. They [the media] release the news, but nothing has been finalised. We know that we are going to reinforce, that is clear, but still nothing concrete.”
Otavio has two years left on his contract in Portugal, and it is understood that any move for him would require a potential suitor triggering his £31 million (R730 million) release clause.
It remains to be seen if Ronaldo will be able to engineer the transfer of Otavio to Al Nassr, but it is clear that the Portuguese star is intent on strengthening his team. With Al Nassr making big moves in the transfer market, it could be just a matter of time before Otavio makes the switch to the Middle East.
