Karim Benzema has completed a controversial switch from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, marking a bitter blow for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo went on strike for Al-Nassr's trip to Al-Riyadh on Monday as he was reportedly furious with their lack of spending on transfers.
It is therefore a sucker punch that Al-Hilal - who are leading the Saudi Pro League by a single point over Al-Nassr - have been allowed to sign one of his greatest allies from his Real Madrid days.
The key context in all of this is that all three clubs, as well as Al-Ahli, are majority controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund [PIF].
Ronaldo has reportedly been aggrieved that Al-Hilal have a net spend £180million higher than that of his own team since the 2022-23 season, when he arrived. They are on course to hoover up a second league title in three years while Ronaldo remains without a major trophy in the Middle East.
After Monday's match, Al-Nassr's chiefs banned manager Jorge Jesus or any players from speaking out amid the tense situation onset by Ronaldo's protests, as per Portuguese outlet A Bola.
It all marks a worrying shift for Saudi football bosses after a gluttonous few years in which they have been able to get their way with some of the sport's biggest stars.
Ronaldo, who aged 40 is on a contract worth £488,000 per day, is said by A Bola to be unhappy with how Saudi Arabia's PIF have handled Al-Nassr's finances.
The worst-case scenario for them is that Ronaldo leaves before his contract expires in 2027. In December, he hinted that he could finish his career elsewhere, saying, 'my passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.'
Meanwhile, Benzema's case is a startling example of the Saudi moneybags being told to reach deeper into their pockets by one of their prized players.
ESPN reported that the 38-year-old trained away from the group at Al-Ittihad in protest over an 'insulting' contract extension offer on Thursday last week.
He removed himself from the matchday squad which drew 2-2 at Al-Fateh last week and within four days he has become an Al-Hilal player.
The striker had moved to Al-Ittihad in 2023 in a blockbuster deal that put his salary at a not-so-insulting £1.61million per week - or just over £230,000 per day.
Curiously, the Benzema is believed to have accused the club of making him 'play for free' at the start of the contract, with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner only able to profit from his image rights.
Elsewhere, N'Golo Kante is closing in on a move from Al-Ittihad to Fenerbahce, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The midfielder, 34, is thought on around £21.6m per year in Saudi Arabia but Turkey has become increasingly alluring for stars of all ages.
Turkey's major clubs now boast some huge names including Victor Osimhen, Jhon Duran, Leroy Sane, and Ederson.
GaddafiJamal
0
When He Player With The Best Players In UTD & At Real Madrid, Did Other Opposition Teams Stop Him? 🤦♂️ Why Is This Guy Always Bitter? 🤧🤮
Zuwbdimrtz
0
football is a game that involves two teams featuring 11 players each. It doesn't matter how good an individual footballer is he still needs the support of the remaining 10 members of the team. No matter how good CR7 and Messi are it's still impossible for each of them to play the roles of eleven footballers. The club has to invest in good footballers if they expect CR7 to play to his maximum.
Mccalljnr
1
what's point? he's impactful he should win like al Hilal to get his way. man utd was long overdue for overhauling not just because of his comments. he's ashamed of getting the team nothing instead of admitting it he's trying sabotage again to cover his shortcomings. seriously grow up you people. You can't be that dumb
benardsteelphiri1997
0
the major problem for al nassr is Ronaldo, his personal ambition of reaching 1000 goals values more to him than the success of the team. if u watch him play u realize he basically mk no contribution in midfield or creat a chance for his mate, it is all about him scoring and nothing more
that's a man on a mission what do you expect.??
Roeaekr
2
you that is so educated where has it taken you, thats how he was criticized at Man u wn he spoke of decapitated infrastructure the media fell on his head only for man u to turn around and confirm he was right and do some modernization, you might hate him but it doesn't call for you to insult him, for he is impactful on and off the pitch. so learn to appreciate even in hate.
duabnsty
0
who the hell does he think he is😅😅😅😅😅
Zasdknosyz
2
the major problem for al nassr is Ronaldo, his personal ambition of reaching 1000 goals values more to him than the success of the team. if u watch him play u realize he basically mk no contribution in midfield or creat a chance for his mate, it is all about him scoring and nothing more
Najibisbacknow
0
Always cry baby
Johnty07
0
You are an idiot, read the statement carefully and if you follow football then you'll understand what he's complaining about
ariasenior
1
those of us confused of Tha Al clubs hands up
Yebbcdkry
0
The has what the want from a greedy player. Now it is time to move on Mr.
Davichi
1
Ronaldo always complain
Seriously. Everyone else is at fault except him and his clown of fans will support him.
Davichi
2
So he's angry that Al Hilal spent £180m more than Al nassr on transfer since 2022/23, but is there any player in the SPL earning as high as he's earning at the club? I understand he's not so educated, but he should be able to tell that his high wages will go a long way to limit the spending power of the club. Al nassr currently has the best attacking threat in the league and a good mid and defense and that's why they won all their matches from the beginning of the season until some players like Felix dropped form. The fact is that they should be able to win the SPL with the squad they have, but it's not just happening for them. I sense that the SPL will move on from him sooner rather than later.
biznoruy
1
Ronaldo always complain