The former Manchester United star is currently tied to no club, and there are talks that he could be on his way to Saudi Arabia
Super Eagles and Al Hilal attacker Odion Ighalo believes that former Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo would be a commercial boost to the Saudi Arabian Professional League if he decides to join.
Ronaldo’s contract at Manchester United was terminated in November after he made some unsavory comments about the club.
The Portuguese star is currently with his national team at the World Cup, but talks surrounding his future have not ended, especially as the January transfer window draws near.
Ronaldo has been linked to many top teams in Europe, and there are also talks that he could move to the Middle East.
Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Napoli are some of his suitors. Also, the Saudi Arabian Professional League side Al Nassr has been heavily linked with a blockbuster move for the 37-year-old talisman that could be worth over €170million.
Cristiano Ronaldo has received a formal proposal from Al Nassr, confirmed. 🚨🇸🇦 #Ronaldo
Almost €200m per season until 2025.
But… big part is sponsor deals, so it’s not clear yet if image rights can be agreed.
Nothing done/signed or decided.
Cristiano, focused on World Cup. pic.twitter.com/tVhgLhz92N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 30, 2022
Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, who spent a season at Manchester United before moving permanently to Saudi Arabian, wants Ronaldo to move to the Middle East because his presence would add a lot to the league.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is hugely ambitious, and I think he will want to play in a Champions League team and end his career well, but you never can say,” Ighalo told The Athletic.
“He has the decision to make. I wish him all the best in that decision, and hopefully, he does come to Saudi Arabia.
“I would love for him to come to Saudi because he would boost the league and add more fanbase to the league. People who aren’t already watching will start to engage with the league and see something they are missing.”
When Ronaldo moved to Juventus in 2018, his impact was felt.
According to Marca, Juventus’ social media grew by 30 percent, increasing the number of followers to 16 million users.
Their YouTube channel saw a 136 percent boost, while their Instagram account grew by ten million followers.
Juventus’ Twitter account experienced an increase of 10.73 percent, translated to more than 600,000 users, while three million new users joined their Facebook page.
If Ronaldo eventually joins the Saudi Professional League, he would give them a massive boost, and they would surely get more followers.
