The summer transfer window was quite intense for the majority of the Saudi Arabian clubs. Al Hilal stunned everyone by landing the Neymar deal. While his arrival led to some significant developments, it also helped their arch-rival, Al Nassr. In a surprising revelation, manager Luis Castro has revealed how the domestic side of Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘able to pay a larger amount in installments’ for a compatriot of their club icon. 

Even after signing the likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles, Al Nassr was eyeing Otavio. So, how were they able to afford him, and what does Neymar’s transfer have to do with it? 

The Neymar deal fueled a further cash flow to Al Nassr!

Otavio was the last summer signing for Al Nassr. The highly-rated midfielder was signed from FC Porto in the range of $65 million. Although the Knights of the Najd had already splurged cash on previous arrivals, they were able to afford Otavio, all thanks to Neymar. In an interview, Luis Castro revealed, “We had wanted Otavio since the beginning of the summer, but we were not given the necessary budget (40 million euros) to complete the deal, but after Al Hilal signed Neymar, they had to give us additional sums to complete the Otavio deal, and this is what happened and we were able to pay a larger amount in installments.”

Notably, Al Nassr had earlier protested Saudi Arabia’s PIF over partiality in fund allocation. They rallied, saying that the other three PIF-owned clubs (Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli) were granted more money. However, after seeing Neymar’s whooping deal, the committee agreed to support Al Nassr in acquiring Otavio. Perhaps the Brazilian was a blessing in disguise for Ronaldo and Co. Meanwhile, with the winter transfer window approaching, Saudi clubs are again alert to make more additions. In fact, Al Hilal looks to hijack the potential transfer plans of Al Nassr. 

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Al Hilal plans on gatecrashing the Cristiano Ronaldo-Casemiro party

Al Hilal is already giving a hard time to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, maintaining a 10-point lead in the table. But it seems they are also looking to do the same for their transfer plans. As per the reports, Al Zaeem is looking to disrupt a potential reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro. 

READ MORE: Jordan Henderson Lauds Cristiano Ronaldo as the Reason He ‘Started Watching Saudi League’

Word has it that Al Hilal has also suddenly joined the race along with Al Nassr and PSG to get the signature of the Manchester United star. Jorge Jesus’ side will try to make space for the Brazilian by deregistering Neymar for the latter half of the season. This would vacate an overseas slot in the squad. Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks.

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