Saudi Arabia’s influence in football has grown by the year, yet this summer could see their biggest name leave for a new challenge.

Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in 2023 with the former Manchester United striker and Liverpool rival raising the profile of the Saudi Pro League to new heights, with the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson all making lucrative moves to the Middle Eastern state in recent years.

Yet a recent post by Ronaldo on social media has sparked speculation that the 40-year-old superstar could be about to leave Al-Nassr, with the Portuguese international once again suffering a trophyless year with the Riyadh-based club.

And Al-Nassr have seemingly made a Liverpool player their top target to replace Ronaldo should the former Real Madrid superstar leave Saudi Arabia this summer.

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According to TalkSport, Al-Nassr have made Luis Diaz their top target for the summer, with the Colombian international likely to leave Liverpool in the coming weeks having failed to sign a new contract with the Reds.

FC Barcelona are also interested in signing Diaz, who this season had his best year yet with Liverpool under Arne Slot as the former FC Porto star hit 17 goals and eight assists as the Reds won the Premier League title.

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Diaz has been linked with Al-Nassr in the past, with the Saudi Arabian club clearly interested in the Liverpool no.

7, who could play alongside former teammate Mane if the transfer were to go through this summer.

Indeed, Liverpool transfer plans will call for a big sale or two in the market, and if Al-Nassr make a convincing offer for Diaz, the Reds could feel obliged to accept it, especially if the 28-year-old attacker is open to the move.

Saudi Arabia are clearly fans of Liverpool, given how many deals have been done between the two parties, coupled with the number of former Anfield players and icons have made the move to the Middle East in the last two years.

And this relationship is only set to grow even stronger this summer, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both on Saudi Arabia’s radar as Ibrahima Konate is also a target for Saudi Pro League sides, three players who all have uncertain futures at Liverpool.

Al-Nassr’s interest in Diaz could be the strongest of the lot, though, and Liverpool could soon see a bid come their way from the Saudi Arabain club should Ronaldo leave in the coming weeks.


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