Abhay Singh
Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are reportedly in talks to acquire Dutch midfielder Van Dijk from Liverpool. Al-Nassr held talks with Van Dijk, who is believed to have given Al-Nassr the green light.Dijk’s contract with Liverpool expires in June of next year, so he may choose to leave the club.
Farewell For Liverpool’s Captain?
The Dutchman has made 270 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions since joining the team in the winter of 2018 after leaving Southampton for a fee of £75 million. With 23 goals thus far, he has contributed to them winning eight trophies.
Al-Nassr only signed one player this summer. In July, they spent £15 million to acquire Bento from Athletico Paranaense.
“I can’t see a time where European footballers head to Saudi Arabia to give the best years of their life.”
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore offered his thoughts on the Saudi Pro League’s rapid ascent to prominence, He stated “The Saudis will continue to build it up, but I just think it’s all about location and the cultural aspect. They will always get tournaments – like Qatar had the World Cup and Dubai gets the tennis – but people still want to go to Wimbledon, people still want to go to an Olympics in Paris, people still want to go to Wembley Stadium for that football experience or to watch Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.”
In reference to Ronaldo’s exploits he said “It’s like the MLS and the A-League in Australia was for two or three years, and it’s a bit of a top up for the pension. No disrespect to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 35 goals is a remarkable achievement even if he was doing that at his age in Sunday league football, but I can’t see a time where European footballers head to Saudi Arabia to give the best years of their life.”
Ronaldo, a 39-year-old Portuguese international, became the highest goalscorer in a single Saudi Pro League term last season, scoring 35 goals in 31 matches. Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, he has netted 58 goals in 64 appearances.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings