Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are reportedly interested in signing a FIFA World Cup champion rumored with a move to Inter Miami.
Saudi Arabia’s influence on soccer has grown ten-fold in the last 18 months, with Ronaldo’s shock move to Al-Nassr opening the floodgates for an incredible level of spending as the Middle Eastern nation looks to leave their footprint on the sport.
The likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have all made the move to Saudi Arabia, with Lionel Messi believed to have turned down a billion-dollar offer from the oil state to make the switch, though the Argentine instead opted for Inter Miami.
And the Herons could now miss out on a big-name target due to Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr join Inter Miami in race to sign Raphael Varane
According to Pasion Futbol, Al-Nassr will go head-to-head with Inter Miami for the signing of Raphael Varane, who after leaving Manchester United at the end of this season is now a free-agent.
A World Cup champion with France and a four-time UEFA Champions League winner at Real Madrid, it makes sense why Al-Nassr would be interested in signing Varane, given his relationship with Ronaldo.
With Al-Nassr also not restricted to how much they can offer the 31-year-old defender, the Saudi Arabian giants could be in the lead to land Varane, much to Inter Miami’s dismay.
Indeed, the Herons have been strongly linked with a move for the former United defender in recent weeks, yet news of Al-Nassr joining the hunt for Varane could be a seismic blow for Inter Miami this summer.
Inter Miami have to pull out all the stops to sign Varane
Varane is regarded as one of the best defenders in modern soccer, with the center-back having one of the most impressive resumes in the game after being a starter for France and Madrid in successful periods.
And for Inter Miami, the Florida franchise have to pull out all the stops if they’re to sign Varane, which could now be difficult with Al-Nassr now in the race to sign the 31-year-old.
With unlimited resources and the prospect of reuniting with Ronaldo, Inter Miami have a lot going again them this window, yet the prospect of a move to the United States could be tempting for Varane at this stage in his career.