“There Are Several Contenders” – Despite Record Transfers, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manager Doesn’t See Al Nassr as Outright Title Challengers

Al Nassr is flexing its financial muscle. After landing Cristiano Ronaldo in January, the Saudi Arabian club revamped the squad around the Portuguese. The marquee signings came in response to missing out on the Roshn Saudi League title. With a record transfer window under its belt, many feel Al Nassr is the title favorite. But the club’s boss feels don’t seem to be nodding in agreement.

Al-Alami, the global club, landed Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, and Seko Fofana to strengthen its squad. The club aims to build a capable group around their talisman CR7. Al Nassr is aiming for the league title, which they last won in 2018-19. With the new season around the corner, the manager is ready for the high-octane title race.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr are amongst the title contenders

Al-Alami starts its quest for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) title on Monday. The squad has undergone significant changes from last season. They will start their journey towards glory under the leadership of new manager Luis Castro. He spoke with SPL to detail the preparations and thoughts on the title race. “We know the title is the goal of some teams competing in the championship,” Castro said about the title race.

The former Botafogo manager feels there are several contenders for the SPL title. “There could be four or five contenders for the title in Saudi Arabia. It’s going to be a very competitive championship,” Castro added. He said, “We clearly see ourselves as one contender to win the title, but other fellow coaches and other clubs are going to do it as well,” talking about Al Nassr’s chances.

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“There are several contenders for one place, and it will be a wonderful championship,” he concluded.The Portuguese coach doesn’t want to take everything for granted. Al-Alami’s other rivals have also strengthened their squads in the Saudi overhaul that took over the summer transfer window. 

Al Nassr’s opponents got strong, too

Their Arab Club Champions Cup opponents on Saturday, Al Hilal, signed Malcom, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly this window. Moreover, Al-Alami’s matchday one opponent, Al Ettifaq, roped in Jordan Henderson and Moussa Dembele with Steven Gerrard as their manager.

Current champions Al Ittihad wasn’t far behind. They were closest to Al Nassr in making marquee signings. Ittihad signed Ronaldo’s former teammate Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jota, and Fabinho to defend their title. Another club with massive signings was Al Ahli. With Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Roger Ibanez, Franck Kessie, and Edouard Mendy signed, the Riyadh-based club made a statement immediately after returning to the top division of Saudi soccer. 

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It will be an intriguing title race from day one. But will Cristiano Ronaldo win it for Al Nassr?