Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Columbus Crew Battles Al Nassr for Former Cristiano Ronaldo Teammate

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 2:07 PM ET

Al Nassr is competing with MLS side Columbus Crew to sign a former teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a recent report.

Recently, FIFA lifted the registration ban on the Saudi club, which had prevented it from making signings. As a result, Ronaldo's team is expected to be active in the January transfer window, remaining attentive to any opportunities that arise.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew is in the full offseason after the 2025 MLS season concluded, with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami crowned champion. The American club's front office has already activated in search of reinforcing its roster for the upcoming campaign.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the Crew and Al Nassr, as well as Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, are all interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

@Ekremkonur

Columbus Crew, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Hilal are interested in Casemiro.

Manchester United will only consider extending his contract if he accepts a significant pay cut.

The future of the Brazilian midfielder could be in MLS or Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/Z3F9IGgxfH
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) December 26, 2025

The Brazilian previously played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Manchester United, which is why the Saudi club's management considers him a potentially good acquisition due to his chemistry with the Portuguese star.

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Real Madrid celebrates with Casemiro their team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 2, 2017 in Madrid, Spain.Photo by Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images

What's Next for Al Nassr & Cristiano Ronaldo?

After a long break between November and December, Al Nassr returned to action for Matchday 6 of the AFC Champions League Two on Dec. 24, when they faced and defeated Al Zawraa 5-1.

Now, Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and co. will host Al Akhdoud this Saturday, Dec. 27, in a new round of the Saudi Pro League.

Currently, Al Nassr is the leader with 27 points after nine games, and a perfect record of nine wins, zero draws, and zero losses. It is followed by Al Hilal, which has 26 points but has played one more game, with a record of eight wins, two draws, and no losses.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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