Cristiano Ronaldo to replace Nigerian goal-king at Saudi Arabian champions – report

The Portuguese superstar became a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Manchester United

Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal are the early favourites to land former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Sky Sports, Al Hilal are preparing to make the first mega offer to Ronaldo barely days after the 37-year-old became a free agent.

Ronaldo and Manchester United parted ways after the Portuguese icon launched a scathing attack at the club, coach Erik Ten Haag, and some of the players in an explosive interview with popular journalist Piers Morgan.

While Ronaldo remains keen to remain in Europe and team up with a side that can offer him Champions League football, a move to the Middle East is not completely out of the picture.

Al Hilal are big admirers of Ronaldo and reports suggest the Saudi Arabia giants made a proposal for the former Real Madrid star's signature during the summer transfer market. Manchester United, however, turned down their multi-million euros approach

That could change, though, with Ronaldo free to negotiate his transfer.

How is Ighalo connected to the deal?

Ighalo arrived in Al Hilal from rivals Al Shabab in January 2022 for €2.9 million.

And the Nigerian marksman fired the goals that powered the team to win the Saudi Premier League on the season's final day. Ighalo finished that campaign as the league's top goalscorer.

The 2019 Afcon golden boot winner remains a key figure at Al Hilal, having managed six goals in 12 appearances in all competitions this season.

But all that could change should Ronaldo arrive at the club.

According to the report, Al Hilal will look to offload Odion Ighalo in January if they are able to acquire Ronaldo.

Ighalo, 33, has a contract with Al-Hilal Saudi FC until June 2022.

If Ighalo chooses to stay at Al Hilal despite Ronaldo's arrival, the Nigerian will go head-to-head with the Portuguese superstar. Ronaldo became the first player to score in five men's World Cups on Thursday after scoring a penalty in Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana.