In an important interview with ON Sport, Steve Calzada, CEO of Al-Hilal Saudi Club, addressed several pressing issues of concern to the sports community. He denied having any specific details regarding the rumors of a rift between Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo and his club, Al-Nassr. Calzada pointed out that the media often circulates unfounded rumors and urged people not to believe everything they read.
The general context and fierce competition in the Saudi League
Calzada's comments come at a time when the Saudi Professional League is undergoing a historic transformation. Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in late 2022, the world's attention has turned to the Kingdom. This transfer served as the catalyst for a massive investment project by the Public Investment Fund, aimed at raising the level of competition and placing the league among the top 10 in the world. As a result, the summer of 2023 saw a constellation of international football stars join Al-Hilal, including Neymar and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Karim Benzema and Fabinho, and Sadio Mane, igniting competition among the top clubs and intensifying media and fan rivalry. Every rumor concerning these stars now garners global attention.
Al-Hilal's stance on signing Mohamed Salah and Saud Abdul Hamid
Regarding the rumors linking Al-Hilal with a move for Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, Calzada clarified that Salah is still under contract with his club, Liverpool, making any current negotiations impossible. He emphasized that the club respects players' contracts with their respective clubs. As for the potential return of right-back Saud Abdulhamid, who previously played for Al-Ittihad, Calzada stressed that this matter is completely closed, expressing the management's satisfaction with the current squad and their outstanding performances.
Administrative and technical stability and confidence in the future
The CEO emphasized that Al-Hilal sees no internal crisis; on the contrary, the team boasts a selection of the best local and international players. He added that the club's budget is not unlimited but rather subject to a specific spending limit, while also praising the significant support provided by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, which contributes to strengthening the club's financial stability. Regarding the technical side, Calzada expressed his delight at signing Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, whom he considers one of the best coaches in the world. He thanked the previous administration, headed by Fahad bin Nafel, for their decision to hire him, which reflects the club's insightful vision in building a strong and stable team capable of competing at all local and continental levels.
