Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the brink of joining Saudi giants Al Hilal, according to former Al-Batin president Nasser Al-Huwaidi. Al-Huwaidi revealed that the Portuguese star is close to leaving Al Nassr for their fierce rivals, with an official announcement expected soon. If finalized, the move would see Ronaldo feature in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr runs out in June, and the 40-year-old is set to become a free agent. This would allow him to sign a short-term deal with any club, just in time for the Club World Cup. Over the past few weeks, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward has been linked with several teams, including Wydad Casablanca, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Al Hilal. But Al Hilal now seems to be in pole position to land him.

Speaking with Kooora, Al-Huwaidi said Ronaldo’s arrival would give the Club World Cup a major boost and attract a massive audience. He also hinted that Al Hilal is planning to bring in three more big international signings to strengthen their squad. “Ronaldo is still performing at a higher level than Mitrovic,” he said. “I believe Al Hilal fans will be excited about his arrival, especially if he helps the club lift more trophies.”

Former Manchester United defender Rafael has urged manager Ruben Amorim to consider selling Rasmus Hojlund and sign Victor Osimhen this summer. Hojlund has struggled to make an impact in his second season at Old Trafford, scoring just four goals in the Premier League and six across all competitions, including the Europa League.

Rafael made it clear he prefers Osimhen over Hojlund, praising the Nigerian striker’s talent and consistency. “I really like Osimhen; he’s a top player. Honestly, I would choose him over Hojlund any day,” Rafael told RG. “I’m not a big fan of Hojlund right now, though I hope he improves. I’m not sure if he’ll stay at Manchester United.”

Osimhen, currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray, is expected to leave Napoli by next season. His impressive form in Turkey, with 25 goals in 29 matches, puts him on track to win the league’s top scorer award. With his proven goal-scoring ability, many see Osimhen as the perfect player to strengthen Manchester United’s attack moving forward.

Former Russian defender Vladimir Granat has shared his disappointment over the absence of some key Super Eagles players, especially Victor Osimhen, ahead of the upcoming friendly between Russia and Nigeria. The match is set for June 6 at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, has already named his squad, but it doesn’t include Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, or Calvin Bassey.

Granat feels this weakens the Nigerian team and believes it’s a missed opportunity for a strong contest. Speaking to Sport Express, he said he was hoping for a more competitive Nigerian side. “Nigeria is one of the toughest opponents recently. I was looking forward to a solid match,” Granat said. “It’s a shame that top players like Osimhen won’t be there. I wanted to see Nigeria bring their best team.”

He added that without their strongest lineup, the Super Eagles won’t be able to truly challenge Russia or test their own level on the world stage.