Al-Hilal CEO: Ronaldo Loan Would Be ‘Counter-Intuitive’ Before Club World Cup

Ronaldo Loan Move to Al-Hilal ‘Completely Counter-Intuitive’, Says CEO Calzada

Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada has dismissed reports linking his club with a short-term move for Cristiano Ronaldo, branding the idea “completely counter-intuitive” ahead of the Club World Cup.

Calzada said a potential loan for the 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward made no sense, despite both clubs being backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

“It’s certainly counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you, even if it’s only for three to four weeks,” Calzada told BBC Sport in Miami.

Transfer Strategy Focused on Long-Term Gains

Calzada highlighted the unusual nature of the brief early-June transfer window, introduced to support the expanded Club World Cup now underway in the U.S.

“You don’t want to make decisions just for this tournament that you have to live with for the next two or three years.”

Despite links to players like Bruno Fernandes, Darwin Nunez, and Victor Osimhen, Calzada reiterated the club’s strategy remains targeted and financially responsible.

“Yes, we’re from Saudi, but we don’t print money here,” he joked, stressing the need for player hunger and realistic demands in negotiations.

Fernandes, Nunez, Osimhen: Al-Hilal Open to Pitching to Any Star

Liverpool forward, Darwin Nunez, 25, is heavily linked with a Saudi move

Al-Hilal continue to explore marquee signings, though no major moves were made before the tournament.

“We are in a position to pitch to any players nowadays,” said Calzada, hinting at the club’s ambitious recruitment goals while balancing financial sustainability.

No Regret Over Neymar Deal Despite Injuries

Neymar only played seven games for Al Hilal

Record signing Neymar played only seven times before an injury ended his season, but Calzada insists his signing had positive long-term impact.

“No regret at all. He boosted our global popularity. We now have over 42 million social media followers – and they stayed even after he left.”

Simone Inzaghi Tasked With Restoring Domestic Dominance

New manager Simone Inzaghi replaces Jorge Jesus and is expected to bring titles back after Al-Hilal finished second in the Saudi Pro League.

“What we expect from the new coach is to help us win again and re-establish our championship,” said Calzada.

CWC Clash With Real Madrid: ‘We’re Not Just Here for Exposure’

Simone Inzaghi won six trophies during his four years at Inter Milan

Al-Hilal face Real Madrid in their Club World Cup opener – a rematch of the 2022 final, which they lost 5-3.

“We’re not here to exchange shirts. We’re here to test our level and show our product with maximum ambition.”