Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Ditches Rivals’ Offers and Keeps 5 Stars in Roster to Prepare for Upcoming Major Championship

The Saudi Pro League has splashed the cash over the course of the summer transfer window. Superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and others have moved to the country to play in the SPL. However, in all the flurry of new superstar signings and the media frenzy surrounding them, Saudi’s homegrown players have perhaps been neglected. This is despite them being integral to their respective SPL teams. However, despite Al Nassr’s big spending, coach Luis Castro has put his faith in retaining his homegrown players.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr coach rejects offers for homegrown players

Al Nassr has boosted their ranks with big names this summer. The likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Alex Telles followed Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the club. However, as per recent reports, Al Nassr gaffer Luis Castro has rejected offers for certain homegrown talents in his squad. Particularly, Castro is looking at playing them in the AFC Asian Champions League.

A Saudi Arabian media person posted a tweet about this move from Castro. The tweet, translated from Arabic, states: “The Saudi #AlNassr club rejects all offers submitted to the players,” “Abdul Majeed Al-Salihim, Ayman Yahya, Sami Al-Naji, Khaled Al-Ghannam and Ali Al-Hassan.”

The tweet also states that this is: “by order of Luis Castro,” “due to his need for them in the Asian Championship.”

Furthermore, the tweet adds: “None of them will transfer Whether on loan or final transfer.”

This will come as good news to Al Nassr fans. Furthermore, it also portrays how Al Nassr boss Luis Castro is utilizing his entire squad effectively. Especially including Saudi Arabian homegrown players who he deems are integral to his squad.

Also read: “I Don’t Care Who Plays” – Moments After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Brace, Al Nassr Boss Discusses Selection Benchmark

The AFC Asian Champions League has some exciting fixtures

The group stage draw for the AFC Asian Champions League concluded on August 24th. And fans across Asia would’ve surely been delighted. The tournament is scheduled to kick off soon, i.e. on September 18th.

Also read: “I Don’t Care Who Plays” – Moments After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Brace, Al Nassr Boss Discusses Selection Benchmark

Al Nassr, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, play Iranian club Persepolis in Group E on the September 19th. This time, however, both clubs can play the matches on home soil in both Iran and Saudi Arabia. This is because of an agreement between the soccer federations in both countries after easing diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Neymar’s new club Al Hilal will take on Uzbekistan club PFC Navbahor Namangan on September 18th. While Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad, also plays opposition from Uzbekistan in FC AGMK also on 18th September.

WATCH THIS STORY| Cristiano Ronaldo and All About Their Pets