Introduction

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada has dismissed mounting speculation linking the club with a shock move for Cristiano Ronaldo, calling the rumours “completely counter-intuitive” and emphasizing the club’s long-term strategy over short-term stunts.

The speculation arose following FIFA’s introduction of a new transfer window as part of a revamped tournament structure. With Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr—Al-Hilal’s domestic rival—set to expire in June, and both clubs under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), rumours swirled about a possible short-term switch for the 40-year-old Portuguese star.

However, Calzada was quick to cool the talk. “We typically don’t comment on transfer speculation, especially when our name is used as a bargaining chip in negotiations,” he told reporters. He added that Al-Hilal is cautious about being drawn into media narratives engineered by agents or players seeking leverage.

Describing the current mini-window as “very weird” and too brief for meaningful planning, Calzada cautioned against rushed signings aimed purely at tournament impact. “Signing players just for a short-term tournament doesn’t make sense when you consider the long-term consequences,” he noted.

The idea of signing a rival club’s marquee player, even temporarily, was dismissed outright. “It would be completely counter-intuitive,” said Calzada, pointing to the rivalry and internal dynamics of the PIF-backed clubs.

He also highlighted other challenges in the market, including players already in “holiday mode” or demanding inflated fees. Despite these obstacles, Calzada reaffirmed Al-Hilal’s competitive intent, saying the club would focus its energy on the traditional summer transfer window following the conclusion of the current tournament.

As it stands, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to see out the remainder of his contract with Al-Nassr, while Al-Hilal continues to pursue reinforcements aligned with their long-term vision — not headlines.