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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr before the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on March 9, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)

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RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – MARCH 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr before the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ittihad and Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah on March 9, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Khalid Alhaj/MB Media/Getty Images)
Al Nassr was highly active in the transfer market to bolster their squad for the season. Additionally, Al Alami experienced a substantial profit with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Nevertheless, the manager showed high esteem for the young talents from the academy, despite the massive spending in the summer transfer window.
The Knights of Najd invested $175 million in the transfer window to strengthen the squad in every forefront. The Portuguese coach magnified the significance of the youngsters alongside the newly acquired players to create a formidable impact in the league.
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Al Nassr manager believes in youth development
Luis Castro made a firm statement for the intent of the Riyad’s side, with eight signing in the transfer window. Al Nassr signed star players, including Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Seko Fofana, and Marcelo Brozovic from various European leagues. However, the ex-Botafogo coach showed keen interest in the club’s academy talents. Castro stated in an interview, “As a coach for the first team, I am always in contact with the club’s academy to closely monitor the young players”.
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The 62-year-old coach looked out for the young faces and monitored their development in the academy. Castro plans to integrate them into the first team in the future, providing opportunities for the club’s emerging talents. He added, “I make sure to help the young faces, help them grow, raise their quality, and prepare them well before including them with the first team.”
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Castro’s vision transcends better gameplay for Al Nassr with growing talents alongside the world-class signings of the club. Meanwhile, Al Alami found an incredible return from Ronaldo’s transfer deal that surpassed his contract value this season.
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Cristiano Ronaldo sparked an investment surge for Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo caused quite a stir in the transfer window with a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al Nassr for a package worth $500 million. Additionally, Saudi Pro League teams collectively committed a $957 million investment on the transfer window this season. Moreover, CR7’s side passed a staggering $175 million in total expenditure.

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Japan: SIXPAD Cristiano Ronaldo Japan Visit Event Al-Nassr forward 7 Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to Japan at Al Nasr JAPAN TOUR 2023 . Attended press conference of SIXPAD. on July 26, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. Osaka Japan NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xKazukixOishix Editorial use only sipausa_47509122
Notably, many journalists claimed that Ronaldo’s deal yielded a greater return on investment compared to his contractual worth. The club would be optimistic that Ronnie would continue achieving significant success both on and off the field as the SPL resumes following the international break.
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Do you agree with Luis Castro’s take on the academy players? Comment below and let us know.
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