Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Set to Splurge $38M After Tottenham Rejects Bid for Emerson Royal: Reports

In the blink of an eye, almost a week remains in the ongoing winter transfer window. As all sides desperately try to bolster their ranks, Al Nassr is not behind in the race as their search for formidable talents continues. The latest player that they are seeking to unite alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. is none other than Emerson Royal, as they look to reply to Tottenham Hotspur’s rejection with a $38 million offer. 

Considered one of the reputed rights back in the beautiful game, the Brazilian defender has been gaining interest from Luis Castro’s side. Notably, the Knights of the Najd even sent a $25 million offer to the Spurs. Unfortunately, their advances were rejected, which has forced Al Nassr to channel their inner ‘Don Vito Corleone’ from ‘Godfather’ to make the Premier League side an offer they can’t refuse.

As per the Brazilian outlet, No Ataque, the Middle Eastern side is looking to pay €35 million or $38 million, in order to acquire Emerson’s services. If the offer is accepted, around R$1 million, or $53,000, will go to the 25-year-old’s former club, Atlético Mineiro, thanks to a major clause during his sale to Barcelona in 2019. Notably, the fee that Al Nassr is offering is slightly higher than what Danny Levy and Co. paid to the Catalans in 2021, which was around $32 million. 

Emerson’s current contract with the Spurs expires in the summer of 2026. So far, he has made 18 appearances and even scored a goal in the Premier League. The Brazilian has reportedly fallen down the pecking order, with boss Ange Postecoglou favoring Pedro Porro for the right wing. Nevertheless, signing Royal would certainly make Al Nassr’s backline even stronger. Does this indicate they are ready to part with their outbound midfielder? 

Is Al Nassr breaking up with a star teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo? 

Seko Fofana has been linked with an exit from Al Nassr multiple times. Once again, the midfielder’s future was speculated by Rudy Galetti, who claims that the Knights of Najd are looking to offload the 28-year-old during the January transfer window. The club is open to either selling him outright or arranging a loan deal while covering half of his salary. 

READ MORE: Karim Benzema Might Join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr as Al Ittihad Star Nears Exit in January

In fact, three unnamed clubs have already expressed interest in the 28-year-old midfielder. Perhaps his exit can help Al Nassr bring Emerson. However, another report suggests that Fofana’s exit would also mean the arrival of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. Ronaldo is reportedly convincing his former Real Madrid teammate to join him at Al Awaal Park. Either way, it remains to be seen what happens at this stage. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule