Former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been linked with a surprise move to Saudi side Al Nassr.
For one match in the 2021/22 season, we got a tantalising taste of what could have been, withCristiano RonaldoandEdinson Cavanilinking up to tear Tottenham apart in a 3-0 away win.
This saw two of the top strikers of the past decade, playing in the same side, showing what they would have been capable of together if they were 10 years younger.
Sadly we never really saw them repeat their devastating pairing. It was frequently a case of ‘either or’, Ronaldo or Cavani, and it was a lot less controversial to leave the Uruguayan out.
Cavani also had ongoing fitness issues in his final season, and was rarely available.
But now, there is speculation the the duo could have an unlikely reunion at Al Nassr.
Edinson Cavani linked to Al Nassr
Italian outletTMWɾєρօɾτ Al Nassr have made contact with Edinson Cavani’s representatives and want to add him to their side, amid the rapid growth of the Saudi Pro League.
Cavani is under contract to Valencia, for one more season, however, there has been speculation he could leave.
He has been linked with a return to South America, with Argentine rivals River Plate and Boca Juniorscompeting for his signature.
However, neither could compete with the lucrative wages Cavani could earn in Saudi Arabia.
Cavani, 36, scored seven goals for a struggling Valencia side last season, starting 22 games.
The prospect of him reuniting with Ronaldo is an odd one, as it was the Portuguese striker’s arrival which unsettled him at Old Trafford, and saw him give up thenumber seven shirt.
In an interview withESPN Brasil, he said: “Knowing a little about the world of football today, the first thing I did was call my brother and I said: ‘Fernando, if this had happened a week ago, I would have asked you to sign another club.
“But not because I didn’t want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. Not. Because I had the opportunity to meet him, and he’s a great professional, with his goals, and that’s perfect for sportsmen. But as I know, after years in football, how things are these days.
“It was more about understanding the situation. Not because I couldn’t play in my place at Manchester, but because there are a lot of things in football today that are different from how they were with other managers, like they were before, years ago. I thought: let’s play, do the best we can.”
Circumstances at Al Nassr could be different now. Ronaldo would surely be glad to have extra help from Cavani – but it remains to be seen if the marksman is interested in making the move.
If they do link up, it will be fascinating to see if they can put together the partnership which only flashed briefly at Manchester United.
