Overview
- Al-Hilal announced the signing of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad after his contract was terminated.
- Cristiano Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s 1–0 win at Al-Riyadh, with multiple outlets reporting he refused to play in protest at the club’s transfer backing.
- Reports say Ronaldo believes other PIF-controlled clubs receive greater financial support, while Al-Hilal’s recent deals were funded by private investor Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal.
- Senior Saudi figures have urged Ronaldo to end his protest, and several reports cite a release clause of about €50m that could be used in the summer.
- The result moved Al-Nassr to within one point of leaders Al-Hilal, and the closed transfer window leaves major changes on hold until season’s end.