Al Ittihad ‘Close’ to Spoiling Cristiano Ronaldo’s Reunion With Raphael Varane at Al Nassr- Reports

The Saudi Pro League enters another phase of excitement. The new gangster in the transfer market has eyes on another set of players, but this time it could be a tough fight amongst teams. Starting with the champions, Al Ittihad could come and play the spoil sport for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr’s reunion with Raphael Varane.

The Riyadh-based team has been in terrific form this season. Placed second on the table, it has also scored 55 goals in just 19 games, with tremendous attacking options. Now the club is focusing on the backline, and Varane could be a very good option for making their back line more formidable. However, Al Ittihad could stand in their way of acquiring the 2018 World Cup winner.

Al Ittihad reportedly closing in on Raphael Varane

It wasn’t long ago when Cristiano Ronaldo played alongside Raphael Varane. The duo won 4 Champions League titles at Real Madrid. Then they shared a one-year stint at Manchester United before Ronaldo’s fallout with the club. However, a similar attempt at such a possibility at Al Nassr is being dashed by Al Ittihad. According to reports, the Jeddah club is close to the United defender and could snap him up before the rivals.

Al Ittihad had a pretty ordinary season this time around. And according to the demands of their ace player, Karim Benzema, also a former Real Madrid Star who, along with Ronaldo and Varane, starred for one of the most dominant Real Madrid sides, the club is seeking more firepower. Hence, the first step towards the goal could be Varane.

On the other hand, Al Nassr had already set their eyes on the French star, according to earlier reports. It was also reported that the player wanted to move away from Manchester United after initially planning to stay back. And Manchester United have now decided against triggering the option to extend Varane’s contract.

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Earlier in September 2023, Al Ittihad was once rejected by the 30-year-old, but it looks like the coin has flipped for Benzema’s team, triggering a different reunion. Varane and Ronaldo played 122 games together at Real Madrid, winning 4 UEFA Champions League titles and 2 La Liga titles. But the chances of them winning trophies together in Aisa are in jeopardy.

Al Ittihad looking for a squad revamp

The Saudi Champions have been in poor form this season. The team was knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup early, and their recent loss to Al Nassr provoked Benzema to pull out of training sessions and demand more squad efficiency. They currently sit at 28 points, 25 behind league leaders, Al-Hilal. Hence, the club is now looking to lay off 12 players after 4 months and is trying to restructure the squad with better players.

Meanwhile, the club is also also rumored to be interested in Mohamed Salah once again. After Liverpool rejected a humongous deal of $215 million, the Reds are again reportedly open to receiving bids for the Egyptian. Nevertheless, PIF-backed Al Ittihad will not hold back from spending any money to get quality players into the team.

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