A Championship club is reportedly on track to play Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in a pre-season clash this summer.
While pre-season matches are primarily used to help players regain match fitness ahead of the new season, they also serve as opportunities for clubs to boost their international presence.
Take Wrexham, for instance — their pre-season tour in Australia has significantly grown their fanbase in the region. Similarly, Hull City, another Championship outfit, will once again head to Turkey for their traditional pre-season training camp.
The Championship’s global reputation often draws interest from prominent clubs for pre-season friendlies. Still, few would have anticipated that one of its teams might face off against Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian side featuring Ronaldo, have reportedly been in discussions with a Championship club to organise a friendly, and the chances of it happening seem high.
Sheffield United could play Al-Nassr in pre-season
According to The Star, Sheffield United are the club in question, and they are likely to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will take during their pre-season preparations.
Talks are ongoing between both parties, and there is optimism within the Sheffield United camp that the fixture will be confirmed.
However, the match probably won’t take place at Bramall Lane, due to renovations currently underway in the S2 area. As a result, an alternative venue will be needed.
The prospect of facing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will take comes as an unexpected bonus for the Blades, especially when compared to the other scheduled friendlies against lower-league sides like Rotherham United, Chesterfield Town, and Burton Albion.
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