Cristiano Ronaldo could soon face former Al-Nassr teammate Marcelo Brozovic in the AFC Champions League following reports that the Croatian midfielder is close to joining Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Brozovic’s future has attracted increasing attention in recent weeks, with a return to Europe also under consideration. The latest reports, however, suggest that the 33-year-old is expected to remain in the Gulf, albeit outside the Saudi Pro League.
According to Ismael Mahmoud and Ahmed Ragab, journalists with Win Win, negotiations over the midfielder’s next move have reached their final stages. Brozovic became a free agent after his Al-Nassr contract expired and is reportedly close to completing his transfer.
Brozovic remains in Riyadh and is expected to travel next weekend for a medical examination. Contract details are reportedly nearing completion, meaning an announcement could come soon.
Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr FC during line up prior to the Saudi Pro League match.
This represents a shift from the earlier uncertainty surrounding Brozovic’s future. His agent, Marina Mikulic, recently confirmed that the midfielder was still considering his options. “Brozović is currently in Riyadh. We still don’t know what his next destination will be. We are waiting for offers, and we have not been in contact with Al Ittihad or Al Ahli.”
Which club is Brozovic expected to join?
The reports point to Al Sadd agreeing a one-year contract with the Croatian midfielder, including an option to extend for another season.
The proposed 1+1 arrangement would allow Brozovic to continue with Al Sadd beyond the initial campaign if both parties agree to an extension. It would also keep the experienced midfielder in the Gulf after three seasons in Saudi Arabia.
The decision is significant because remaining in Saudi Arabia or returning to Europe had both been realistic possibilities. Italian clubs including Fiorentina and Lazio were reportedly linked with the former Inter midfielder, but those potential moves did not materialize.
When could Ronaldo face his former teammate again?
The move’s biggest storyline for Al-Nassr supporters is the potential meeting with Ronaldo. Al-Nassr are scheduled to host Al Sadd at Al-Awwal Park on November 24 in the AFC Champions League Elite, which could see the Portuguese star face his former midfield partner.
Ronaldo and Brozovic spent three seasons together in Riyadh after the Croatian joined from Inter in 2023. Their partnership became an important part of Al-Nassr’s midfield, with Brozovic providing control and defensive balance behind the club’s attacking players.
If the transfer is completed before the continental fixture, Ronaldo and Brozovic could line up on opposite sides of the pitch just months after sharing the same dressing room. It would add another compelling subplot to an important AFC Champions League match.