World Cup power rankings: Brazil & Belgium have big problems!

Hit or miss? 25 most expensive transfers of the 21st century

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Six stars City should target to cure Pep's biggest headache

How England should line up once Tuchel takes charge

Neymar told he’s ‘same level as Messi’ but ‘ruined career’

Felix dazzles but Ronaldo-less Portugal lack finishers

Ronaldo wants to make Guardiola the Selecao's new boss

Messi sends special message at end of 'unforgettable year' 

Is 1,000 goals realistic? Ex-CR7 rival says he’ll ‘get there’

Neymar's future decided? Al-Hilal star buys €50m penthouse

Pulisic: 'Trump dance' celebration was 'funny,' not political

Rooney enjoying ‘boozy nights & takeaways’ without wife Coleen

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Defender heading towards free agency</li><li>Moved to America had been speculated on</li><li>Appears to now favour the Middle East</li></ul>

Follow Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Lionel Messi? Real Madrid captain Nacho in ‘advanced talks’ over Saudi Pro League move as he leans away from MLS & Inter Miami

The 34-year-old defender, who skippered the Blancos to La Liga and Champions League titles in 2023-24, is approaching the end of his contract at Santiago Bernabeu. With no fresh terms expected to be signed, the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-captain-nacho-set-for-summer-mls-move-after-los-blancos-contract-ends/blt2286a07b38d085bd" target="_blank">experienced Spain international is set to become a free agent</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

There had been plenty of talk to suggest that Nacho is wanted in the United States, with a move to Inter Miami that would see him <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-link-up-nacho-future-admission-teases-mls-transfer-inter-miami-defender-real-madrid/blt805bbee009a58e88" target="_blank">link up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi</a> being speculated on. He may, however, be following another GOAT in a different direction.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

According to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/40348107/real-madrid-captain-nacho-nears-move-al-ittihad-sources " target="_blank">ESPN</a>, Nacho is in “advanced talks” with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-calls-two-former-real-madrid-team-mates-bid-convince-join-him-al-nassr-saudi-pro-league/blt1e478797d2d5b729#cs1e0d280806761ee0 " target="_blank">Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad</a> – where his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/explained-why-karim-benzema-left-real-madrid-followed-cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-pro-league-ballon-d-or/bltb0da5c83a5abcec8" target="_blank">former Real team-mate Karim Benzema plays</a>. They are said to be “optimistic” that a deal can be done, although no agreement has been reached as yet.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nacho is currently away on Euro 2024 duty, meaning that a decision on his club future will be delayed, but it would appear that a man who has spent his entire career to date with Real Madrid favours the Middle East over Miami.

WHAT NEXT?

Follow Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Lionel Messi? Real Madrid captain Nacho in ‘advanced talks’ over Saudi Pro League move as he leans away from MLS & Inter Miami | Goal.com

Real Madrid captain Nacho is reporting leaning away from a move to MLS and towards one that will see him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.

Follow Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Lionel Messi? Real Madrid captain Nacho in ‘advanced talks’ over Saudi Pro League move as he leans away from MLS &amp; Inter Miami