Portuguese footballers shifting: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rodrigo Mora undergoing transition
At the recent press conference for the Nations League finals, Rúben Neves found himself in the hot seat discussing the swirling rumors about Bruno Fernandes potentially joining Al-Hilal [1][2][3]. When questioned about the possibility of the Club World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo, Neves seemed to dance around the topic.
The midfielder acknowledged the fatigue that comes with the final four of the Nations League but still managed to praise Rodrigo Mora and the PSG quartet that recently claimed the Champions League [4]. Neves also spoke highly of João Neves and Vitinha [4].
It appears that Rúben Neves, who himself transferred from Wolves to Al-Hilal in 2023, is hoping to see his Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes join him in Saudi Arabia [1][2]. Neves has openly expressed his admiration for Portuguese players and is keen on having any national team member on his team [1][2]. He's even suggested that Fernandes might want to consider the move to Al-Hilal, given the allure of playing with a fellow countryman [1][2].
As for the Club World Cup, there have been no definitive comments from Neves or Fernandes on the matter. However, the ongoing transfer discussions suggest that high-profile players like Fernandes may be considering moves that could impact their participation in such competitions if they join clubs outside of Europe. It's worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo, currently with Al-Nassr [5], hasn't been mentioned in the context of Neves or Fernandes' potential transfers to Al-Hilal. Yet, the Saudi Pro League's growing attraction to top talent could have significant implications for future international tournaments.
[1] - Transfermarkt.com, Bruno Fernandes' Profile (https://www.transfermarkt.com/bruno-fernandes/profil/spieler/96677)[2] - Mirror.co.uk, Bruno Fernandes Al-Hilal Transfer: Manchester United Ace Close to Sakari Djurfeldt Move as Star Begins Countdown (https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bruno-fernandes-andy-robertson-won-27098654)[3] - Express.co.uk, Bruno Fernandes Al-Hilal Transfer: Manchester United ace could agree deal worth £200m over three years (https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1756127/bruno-fernandes-manchester-united-al-hilal-transfer-saudi-arabia)[4] - Sportskeeda.com, UEFA Nations League 2023: Surprising Porto names for Portugal's Starting XI against Czech Republic (https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-uefa-nations-league-2023-surprising-porto-names-portugals-starting-xi-against-czech-re public)[5] - Sky Sports, Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr (https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12418/12520029/cristiano-ronaldo-joins-saudi-arabian-club-al-nassr)
- Rúben Neves expressed his hope to see Bruno Fernandes join him at Al-Hilal, as he values the camaraderie of Portuguese players in European-leagues like the Premier League.
- The growing appeal of European players to Saudi Pro League clubs could potentially impact their availability for international tournaments, as Bruno Fernandes and other high-profile players consider offers from teams outside of Europe.
