Cristiano Ronaldo led the way. Last winter, the Portuguese striker, free since the expiry of his contract at Manchester United, decided to join Saudi Arabia. A daring choice but eclipsed by the five-time Ballon d’Or. Since then, many well-known players from Europe have joined them. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Neymar Jr have all signed for Saudi Pro League teams.
CR7 Club made some good moves in the summer of 2023 as well. Indeed, Al Nassr got his hands on Sekou Fofana, Sadio Mane and Alex Telles during the offseason. And the Saudi team decided to continue with their raiding as they wanted a solid central defender. For a while he talked with Clément Lenglet. Pushed towards the exit in Barca, the French had everything right. But it was some other player who was eventually selected.
Another blow for Al Nasser
Indeed, Al Nassr has decided to bet on Aymeric Laporte. Under-utilized at Manchester City, the Iberian international was looking for a new base to play in. For a long time, we thought he would return to Spain on behalf of Bilbao. But in the end he said yes to Saudi Arabia. Today his new club has completed the formalities of his arrival.
A fresh start for Laporte, who leaves Manchester City after almost 6 years and will therefore look for a new championship after La Liga and the Premier League. Along with CR7, Mane and his teammates, the defender, who will be paid 25 million euros per year, will look to play a leading role in the increasingly competitive league. However, it remains to be seen whether his career choice will have an impact on his international future with Euro 2024 less than a year away.
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