Cristiano Ronaldo ‘to block’ Saudi transfer moves involving Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo’s stance in the Saudi Pro League is said to be shaping three high-profile moves, with claims he is resisting Karim Benzema’s switch to Al-Hilal and triggering knock-on delays for N'Golo Kante and Youssef En-Nesyri.

A Bola reports that the Al-Nassr captain is unhappy with how PIF manages his club compared with rival teams, and wants greater backing for his project, prompting him to oppose deals that would strengthen opponents.

Sports Digitale states that Ronaldo’s intervention in Benzema’s proposed Al-Hilal move has left Kante’s transfer to Fenerbahce and En-Nesyri’s to Al-Ittihad awaiting Saudi Pro League sign-off despite agreements being in place.

It is also being claimed that Ronaldo could go on strike and refuse to play, and he may sit out Monday’s derby with Al-Riyadh, amid suggestions he might have been rotated to manage his workload.

The Portuguese joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United and later extended his record contract to summer 2027, when he would be 42, though he may yet play beyond that.

Compromises are expected to be explored, Benzema could still move, which in turn might allow Kante and En-Nesyri to finalise their switches. Ronaldo is intent on maximising his chances of major honours in 2026, while pursuing 1,000 competitive goals and an expected role as Portugal’s captain at this summer’s World Cup.

Source: Goal.com