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Cristiano Ronaldo's Transfer Push Fails as Jhon Arias Joins Wolves

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo made a personal phone call to try and convince Jhon Arias to join him at Al-Nassr, but ultimately the midfielder chose to sign with Wolves instead. This comes after Arias impressed with Fluminense at the Club World Cup, sparking interest from top clubs worldwide. Despite Ronaldo's efforts, Arias opted for a move to the Premier League, leaving Fluminense, who retained 10% of the economic rights to any future sale of the player.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jhon Arias was a target for Al-Nassr, who were eager to sign him after his impressive performance at the Club World Cup.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo made a personal phone call to try and convince Arias to join him at Al-Nassr, but ultimately failed to persuade him.
  • Arias chose to sign with Wolves instead, despite being offered a large sum of money by Al-Nassr.
  • Fluminense retained 10% of the economic rights to Arias, in exchange for his transfer to Wolves.
  • This marks Al-Nassr's third notable transfer bid this summer, after being linked with Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.
  • Jhon Arias joins Wolves as their third signing of the summer, following Fer Lopez and Jorgen Strand Larsen.
  • Wolves finished 16th in the Premier League last season, with just 12 wins and six draws, and will be looking to improve under manager Vitor Pereira.

Statistics:

  • Jhon Arias scored 47 goals and provided 55 assists in 230 appearances for Fluminense.
  • Al-Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season.
  • The transfer fee for Arias is estimated to be around £19million.
  • Darwin Nunez has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for Liverpool.
  • Wolves' last campaign saw them win just 12 games and draw six.
  • Vitor Pereira will be eager to make changes to the Wolves squad after taking over from Gary O'Neil.

Sources:

  • Faustino Asprilla, former Newcastle United star, told ESPN's EquipoF: "An Arab team was very excited, eager to sign Jhon Arias. It was Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo's team. The kid Arias received a call from Cristiano Ronaldo asking him to go over there to play with him at Al-Nassr."
  • Fluminense, "Fluminense has completed the definitive transfer of forward Jhon Arias to Wolverhampton, retains 10% of the economic rights from any future sale of the player."
  • Sky Sports, "Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the phone to inspire a transfer -but he failed"
  • BBC, "Fluminense: Jhon Arias joins Wolves in £19m deal"

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