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Ronaldo speculation intensifies: Could the global icon play at the Club World Cup?
John Obi Mikel believes global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could sign for Al Hilal ahead of the eagerly-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup – where you can watch every match live on DAZN .
Ronaldo, 40, is at the end of his contract with Al Nassar but a move to their Saudi rivals Al Hilal has been touted ahead of the tournament in the US.
That raises the mouthwatering prospect of a possible clash with Real Madrid, where Ronaldo became a global icon and who will face Al Hilal in their Club World Cup group opener on June 18.
Clubs can sign new players from June 1-10 before the tournament kicks off on June 14 and speculation persists that Ronaldo could make a money-spinning move to Al Hilal.
Mikel, speaking on talkSPORT , was asked if he would like his former club Chelsea to sign Ronaldo for their Club World Cup campaign.
The former midfielder said: “I’d like to, but obviously this 10-day period of the transfer window being open for clubs to get in one or two players for the FIFA Club World Cup.
“But I think it might be Al-Hilal he might go to, so they’re trying to make sure that they get him to the tournament.
“That’s going to be good for the tournament – for fans, for football lovers to see [Lionel] Messi and Ronaldo compete in another Club World Cup.”
Mikel admits the prospect of Ronaldo lining up at the biggest and most lucrative Club World Cup yet is tantalising.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have signed Liam Delap for £30million from Ipswich Town, who he only joined last summer after Manchester United sold him for £15million, after they were relegated from the Premier League.
Mikel added: “It’s amazing. Ronaldo is an amazing player and an all-time goalscorer, so it would be great to see him participate in this tournament.
“Yes we need him at Chelsea, of course we do. We need a number nine but we’re getting Delap.
“I hope he comes in and helps the team as well. I want to see him perform at this Club World Cup and obviously he needs to be there.
“Now we have this healthy competition, hopefully we can see how that can lead us from the FIFA Club World Cup into the Premier League and the Champions League.”
Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here .
