Citing ‘Best’ Offer For Lionel Messi, Negotiations Were Harder For Cristiano Ronaldo, Claims Saudi League Boss

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi embarked on a new phase in their soccer career after departing from Europe. The Argentine star was persuaded by the Saudi League, while CR7 already shifted his career to the Middle East. The SPL chairman, on this note, shed light on the transfer negotiation of both the veterans. He highlighted CR7’s transfer was a more challenging endeavor, to reach an agreement for a potential deal.

The Portuguese soccer icon ended up signing a staggering $500 million deal for a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Nassr in the winter transfer window. Ronaldo’s transfer helped to reshape the soccer landscape of the Saudi Pro League, attracting other soccer luminaries. However, SPL clubs failed to convince Lionel Messi despite presenting the ‘best’ contract on the table.

Why was signing Cristiano Ronaldo ‘not easy’?

Al Nassr presented a compelling vision to secure the Manchester United icon in their roaster. Saad Al Ladhiz, the SPL chairman, emphasized that inking a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo, needed more backing compared to any other soccer star. Convincing CR7 was necessary to incorporate a promising contract opportunity. Saad Al Ladhiz said in an interview, “Cristiano Ronaldo has the best team around him, and negotiations with him were not easy like other players”.

The Al Nassr star is leaving a notable impression by netting 27 goals in just 28 games since joining the Saudi side. While Ronaldo’s transfer was indeed a success for the Saudi Pro League, their pursuit of Lionel Messi fell way short, even after laying out a $541 million deal. Now, let’s delve into what the SPL vice president remarked about the failure to secure the Argentine’s services.

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When the Saudi Pro League missed out on Lionel Messi

Al Hilal presented a lucrative proposal for Lionel Messi this season when he opted not to extend his contract with PSG. The Saudi side extended the optimal offer to secure the services of the world champion. However, the Barcelona icon remained resolute in his decision to join Inter Miami. He eventually signed a two-and-a-half-year contract worth between $125 million and $150 million with the Herons.

The SPL chairman remarked that they encountered significant competition to pen a deal with the Argentine. Their dream of signing Lionel Messi could not materialize as he expressed a preference elsewhere rather than joining the Middle Eastern clubs. Saad Al Ladhiz added, “We negotiated with Messi and made him an offer, but the negotiations are subject to approval or rejection. It is true that the salary is important, but he had a plan from the beginning and our offer. I am certain that it was the best. We gave 100%”.

Would you be willing to picture Lionel Messi in the Saudi Pro League? Comment below and let us know.

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