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Al Nassr Preparing To Replace Cristiano Ronaldo’s Teammate Amid Clear Intentions of Return to Europe

Published 03/23/2024, 2:12 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Chopping and changing squads is a part of soccer. Al Nassr, after a bittersweet campaign being #2 in the Saudi Pro League, could be looking at a few changes. The management has already seen the effects of the President’s exit, and now could it be a key player in the squad? Reports suggest that one of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s teammates is looking towards the doors. This comes after the treble-winning star expressed intentions to be back in Europe.

Al Nassr mostly saw harmony inside this team, especially with the new squad established this season. However, after claiming that some players are unhappy, Aymeric Laporte could be leaving the club, as the Knights of Najd look for a suitable replacement. Looks like the club will head back to Europe for another recruitment drive for its defense.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr has been good on the offense, but their defense has been a bit of a concern. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team has conceded 33 goals in the league and will now look to strengthen its backline, replacing Laporte. Once, the ex-Manchester City star contrarily backed his club’s defense, saying that their style of play could give away goals in return for scoring more.

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On the other hand, Laporte’s stay in Riyadh has been smooth in terms of performance. The player already has 10 clean sheets in 29 games, scoring 2 goals. However, he had to miss a major AFC Champions League game owing to a red which saw his club crash out of the tournament. There were some sweet memories for the Spaniard with a worldie against Inter Miami in the Riyadh Season Cup friendly.

On the other hand, it wasn’t a hard decision for Aymeric Laporte to leave Manchester City and join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. Seeking a new challenge, the 29-year-old signed a $26.6 million per year deal. Reportedly, he was unhappy at Manchester City after his place became uncertain because of strong competition. Playing just 24 games in the treble-winning season last year was potentially a reason for him to leave the club. Nevertheless, he now seems to be homesick!

Is a $ 500k-a-week Aymeric Laporte eyeing a European reunion, with intentions of leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.?

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Aymeric Laporte sparked a controversy some months ago, claiming that some players were ‘dissatisfied’ at Al Nassr because of the hospitality compared to Europe. He stated, “They do look after us, but not enough for my liking. That is to say, in Europe, they pay you a good salary, but they take better care of you.” Now he seems to be aiming at a comeback, saying, “I will very likely return to Europe in the future,” despite being in a 3-year contract.

via Reuters

On the other hand, reports suggest that many top EPL teams are interested. It once seemed that Real Madrid had an eye on him amid David Alaba’s injury, but the star continued at Riyadh. Overall, despite the interest in moving back, the former Athletic Bilbao player may find it hard to leave early. Lowering his wage demands could be a solution to attracting more offers.

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With 2 years of his contract left, it will be interesting to see which clubs make the effort to get him back to Europe.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz