Cristiano Ronaldo 'calls Man Utd star' urging him to quit club and go to Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to persuade Manchester United midfielder Casemiro to join him at Al Nassr after his side were beaten on penalties in Saudi Arabia’s King Cup final. A disconsolate Ronaldo was reduced to tears after Al Hilal prevailed 5-4 on spot kicks, following a dramatic clash that finished 1-1 after extra time.

Ronaldo and co had already finished 14 points behind their rivals in the Saudi Pro League, meaning the 39-year-old finishes the campaign without a major trophy.

And he’s reportedly responded by urging his club to make more signings this summer, with ‘CR7’ himself now taking responsibility for contacting players.

According to Marca, Casemiro has already been approached by his former Real Madrid team-mate. The Brazilian has endured a difficult second season in England amid his struggles for form and fitness, and missed the FA Cup final victory over Man City.

And the 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to the Middle East, with Al Nassr one club unlikely to be deterred by his current £350,000-a-week wages. United are also set to make player sales this summer with new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly keen to raise funds for a squad overhaul.

The future of the five-time Champions League winner could well depend on whether manager Erik ten Hag remains at Old Trafford. The Dutchman seemingly unsettled his £60million signing towards the end of season by playing him as an emergency centre back, a position where he appeared exposed.

Casemiro is not the only Madrid icon who Ronaldo is seemingly trying to get on board. Club captain Nacho Fernandez, who on Saturday lifted his side’s 15th European crown after Los Blancos beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League final, is set to be out of contract this summer.

If the club cannot tie him down to a new deal, the 34-year-old will be eligible to head to Saudi on a free transfer. But he has also been linked with a move to the MLS in America, as well as Serie A side Inter Milan.

Despite his trophy heartbreak, Ronaldo’s personal campaign in Saudi was again a prolific one, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 35 goals. It took his club total to 64 in 70 appearances since his move from United in January 2022.

But his relentless desire to win silverware has left him anything but content with the campaign. And breaching the gap to Al Hilal appears a sizeable task after they went through the league season unbeaten under coach Jorge Jesus.

And the champions themselves are expected to spend big again as European clubs brace themselves for more raids from Saudi teams. The Pro League’s summer transfer window is set to open on July 1, some three weeks after clubs in England can start doing their business.