New Ronaldo's idea: Get me Cucurella

Since big money entered Saudi football two years ago, all members of the local “Big Four” have won something—except Al Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Hilal has won the league title, the Cup, and two Super Cups; Al Ahli won the AFC Champions League; Al Ittihad secured a domestic double last season… Only Ronaldo’s Al Nassr hasn’t won anything significant. And yet, they’ve spent over 250,000,000 euros on signings like Mane, Laporte, Brozović, Simakan, Duran… and who knows how much more on their astronomical salaries. Ronaldo alone costs them over 200,000,000 per year.

Ronaldo has had enough of losing seasons and demanded radical changes from the club’s management this June. It started with the coaching staff—Jorge Jesus was brought in—and then moved on to the playing squad. Joao Felix will be the first signing under Ronaldo’s ‘command’, as his transfer from Chelsea was agreed last night. A bid has also been submitted for Brazilian winger Antony from Manchester United, and the club is awaiting his response, although it's unclear how Al Nassr intends to fit all these attacking players together...

Imagine this reunion, because it may happen: CR7 and Antony!

Finally, news is coming from Madrid that Al Nassr, at Ronaldo’s request, is targeting Marc Cucurella and plans to submit an offer to Chelsea during the Felix deal negotiations. This transfer makes more sense than Antony’s, as full-backs have been a major weak spot for Al Nassr in recent years. Although Cucurella is one of the key players for Maresca’s Chelsea and has shown no desire to leave, the Saudis’ plan is to throw him into doubt with an indecent offer and a lucrative contract.

Chelsea win again: Felix to Al Nassr for more money

Many players have caved in to such tactics over the past two years. Al Nassr has no problem with the foreign player limit, as currently only Ronaldo, Mane, Simakan, and goalkeeper Bento are secure. There are still four spots open for foreign players, plus two on the bench. Duran has left, Otavio is on his way out, and the futures of Brozović and Laporte are uncertain. There’s room for Felix, Antony, Cucurella… and certainly for another center-back after the collapse of the agreed transfer for David Hancko. Chelsea and Cucurella will be in a tough position in the coming days as they try to resist Al Nassr’s offer. An added problem for Chelsea is that the left-back position is not as well covered as others, since Cucurella’s natural backup is only Ben Chilwell.