Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration grows: Al-Nassr nixes two record deals in stunning transfer U-turn

It was meant to be a summer of ambition for Al-Nassr, a period where the club would capitalize on Cristiano Ronaldo‘s enduring star power and return to title contention in Saudi Arabia. Instead, a dramatic pair of transfer collapses has left the Riyadh-based giants reeling — one involving a Club World Cup standout who turned down a personal plea from Ronaldo, and another regarding a record-breaking move that fell apart under controversial circumstances.

Ronaldo’s influence not enough to lure star midfielder

Al-Nassr’s efforts to strengthen their midfield took a heavy hit when one of the Club World Cup’s standout performers declined the opportunity to join the Saudi side — despite the direct intervention of Ronaldo himself.

The player in question was Jhon Arias, the 27-year-old Colombian who dazzled for Fluminense during their run to the Club World Cup semi-finals. Al-Nassr were eager to secure his services, hoping his creativity and work rate would bolster their squad for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. But the move never materialized, even after Ronaldo personally reached out.

Speaking to ESPN’s EquipoF, former Colombia international Faustino Asprilla revealed the scope of Ronaldo’s involvement: “An Arab team was very excited, eager to sign Jhon Arias. It was Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team. The kid received a call from Cristiano Ronaldo asking him to go over there to play with him.”

Asprilla continued: “It’s easier for Cristiano to convince someone than the owner. If Cristiano calls you… he called to see if he would change his mind because he hadn’t signed yet, but he wanted to go to the Premier League. So he thanked Cristiano, and they offered him a lot of money, but he didn’t accept and went to England.”

Arias instead opted for Wolves, signing a deal with the Premier League club last week. The transfer fee remains undisclosed, but Brazilian outlets suggest Wolves paid around $25 million. Fluminense confirmed the move, noting they would retain 10% of any future sale.

The Colombian’s numbers at Fluminense were impressive: 47 goals and 55 assists in 230 appearances. His contributions at the Club World Cup — including two goals and an assist — had attracted global interest. Wolves, under new manager Vitor Pereira, pounced to make him their third summer signing.

Record-breaking deal for defender falls apart

While Arias was swayed by Premier League ambitions, another high-profile target was all set to join Al-Nassr — only for the move to collapse at the last moment. David Hancko, Feyenoord’s Slovakian left-back, had agreed personal terms, signed a contract, and even travelled to Al-Nassr’s pre-season camp. But despite all indications that the deal was done, the Saudi club pulled the plug.

According to Voetbal International, the deal was supposed to be Feyenoord’s record sale, worth around $47 million. The Dutch side had already started preparing for life without Hancko, lining up replacements. Yet the sudden halt to the transfer left the Eredivisie club blindsided — and furious.

In a statement quoted by Algemeen Dagblad, Feyenoord spokesperson Raymond Salomon said: “The way the club is treating its players is scandalous. This is especially unbelievable with regard to David Hancko. This is rarely, if ever, seen before.”

He added: “A long time ago, Al-Nassr sent a proposal, which Feyenoord accepted. The player then reached an agreement and signed a contract. Hancko then travelled to Al-Nassr’s training camp, where it turned out the deal had been put on hold and then called off.”