In a dramatic turn during the 2025 summer transfer window, Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped directly into the transfer market to help Al-Nassr secure Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Refusing to leave the matter solely in the hands of club officials, the Portuguese legend reportedly reached out personally to Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in an effort to accelerate negotiations.
According to insider reports, Ronaldo even arranged a private meeting with Maresca in London. His objective was simple: convince Chelsea to allow Cucurella to join Al-Nassr as their next marquee signing.
Ronaldo’s influence has been pivotal in the club’s recent success in attracting European stars to Saudi Arabia, and he believed Cucurella could be the next addition to strengthen their domestic and continental campaigns.
Chelsea’s Surprising Stance
However, the outcome of that meeting was far from what Al-Nassr expected. While the Saudi club anticipated Chelsea would demand a hefty transfer fee for the Spanish left-back, Maresca reportedly delivered a shock statement:
> “We don’t need money. We only want three things…”
These three undisclosed conditions have completely disrupted Al-Nassr’s transfer strategy. Sources close to the negotiations describe Chelsea’s requirements as “unusual and complicated,” creating an unexpected obstacle for what initially appeared to be a straightforward deal.
The Blues’ approach indicates they are prioritizing strategic benefits over financial gain, leaving Al-Nassr temporarily stalled as they evaluate how to respond.
Why Al-Nassr Are Targeting Cucurella
Marc Cucurella, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2022 from Brighton for €65 million, has experienced an up-and-down spell with Chelsea. While he initially struggled to adapt, he has shown clear improvement under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who values his energy, tactical awareness, and ability to operate in multiple defensive roles.
For Al-Nassr, the 27-year-old Spaniard represents exactly the type of experienced European talent they seek—someone capable of contributing immediately in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League.
Playing alongside Ronaldo is also seen as a major attraction for Cucurella, who is reportedly open to the idea of a new adventure in the Middle East.
Chelsea’s Hidden Agenda
Chelsea’s unusual demands suggest the club is pursuing a transfer strategy beyond simple cash deals. Possible conditions could include a player exchange involving a promising Saudi or foreign star, performance-based incentives, or even agreements for future collaborations such as high-profile friendly matches.
This aligns with Maresca’s vision of building a squad that is tactically cohesive and strategically sustainable, rather than simply selling players for profit.
What Comes Next
Negotiations are currently on hold while Al-Nassr analyze whether they can fulfill Chelsea’s conditions. Ronaldo remains personally involved, urging the club to overcome the obstacles and finalize the signing. For Cucurella, the prospect of joining Ronaldo and becoming a central figure in Al-Nassr’s ambitious project is highly appealing.
This transfer saga is far from resolved, and the football world is watching closely. Whether Chelsea’s bold strategy succeeds or Al-Nassr backs away from the complex demands, this story is set to be one of the most intriguing subplots of the 2025 summer window.
