Newcastle boss responds to Ronaldo & Neymar transfer links

With recent reports alleging that CR7 is already considering his Al Nassr future, a move to the Saudi-backed Magpies has been suggested.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has played down rumors linking superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to the Premier League club.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Howe suggested the club’s budget couldn’t attract big names like Ronaldo and Neymar – who each command hefty salaries.

“I think that kind of speculation has been there from day one since the takeover really,” the Magpies boss said.

“Naturally everyone has then assumed the biggest names in world football will be going to Newcastle. Now we’ve not recruited that way and financially we can’t recruit that way at the moment but also we have to bring the right players into the group.

“I will say the transfer market is such a complex decision there’s a lot of thought needed. You can’t just pick a name there has to be a lot of thought going into both financially and looking into players.”

Despite signing a world-record deal to play for Al Nassr until 2025 in January, Ronaldo allegedly wants out – as per the latest media reports anyway.

According to El Nacional, Ronaldo’s partner, Georgina Rodriguez, wants to return to Madrid. Real Madrid are open to re-signing the Portuguese icon, but only as an ambassador – not a player.

For now, though, Ronaldo’s focus is on Monday’s home game against Khaleej FC. Al Nassr go into the matchup in need of the victory. They currently trail Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad by three points, with five games left to play.