Saudi club Al-Hilal claim their mega £210m move for Cristiano Ronaldo only fell through because he was under a transfer ban
Fahad bin Nafel, the president of Saudi club Al-Hilal, has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the club fell through only due to a transfer ban.
On transfer deadline day, the Riyadh-based side were the only ones to make a bid for the Manchester United star after announcing his desire to leave this summer due to his lack of Champions League football.
Now Ben Nafel, who signed a two-year deal worth £2m-a-week and £210m in total plus a transfer fee of £25m, has claimed the Portuguese striker was happy with the move to ‘principle’ before the deal fell through. because they were under a transfer ban.
He told YouTube channel Thamanya: “Yes, we negotiated with Ronaldo. The problem was not in the money or the principle.
‘Al-Hilal is capable of bringing in the stars of the world, but it was the decision of the Sports Arbitration Center that prevented us from registering the players.
‘Al-Hilal is capable of bringing in the stars of the world, but it was the decision of the Sports Arbitration Center that prevented us from registering the players.
The offer would have made Ronaldo, 37, the highest paid footballer in the world.
Al-Hilal was hit with a transfer ban in May after midfielder Mohamed Kanno changed his mind about a move to Al-Nassr at the last minute, with a contract already signed with both clubs.
Al-Hilal, led by Ramon Diaz, have former West Bromwich Albion attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira, former Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto, Mali striker Moussa Marega and Nigeria striker in their squad. Odion Ighalo.
