Al-Hilal's chief executive, Esteve Calzada, recently addressed the speculation surrounding a potential loan move for Cristiano Ronaldo, stating such a decision would have been "completely counter-intuitive." This statement comes in the context of the Saudi Pro League's revamped Club World Cup, which introduced an additional transfer window. Despite the links to Ronaldo, who has been a standout player for rival club Al-Nassr, Calzada explained that bringing in the star forward, even temporarily, could undermine the club's competitive integrity.

Calzada emphasized the peculiar nature of the current transfer window, noting that decisions made for the short-term, specifically for the tournament, could have long-lasting implications. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s status as a football legend but insisted that acquiring a player from their primary competitor, even for a brief period of three to four weeks, did not align with Al-Hilal’s strategic vision. The CEO indicated that the club is focused on strengthening its roster for the long haul rather than making hasty decisions based on immediate needs.

Looking ahead, Al-Hilal is aiming to reinforce its squad after a less-than-stellar season where they finished second in the Saudi Pro League. With the recent appointment of Simone Inzaghi as head coach, the club is keen on attracting top talent. While Calzada refrained from confirming any specific interest in Ronaldo or other high-profile players, he highlighted the club's ambition to pursue the best players available, underlining that they are willing to walk away from negotiations if the players' motivations are solely financial.