Ronaldo is believed to be particularly unhappy that his former Real Madrid team-mate has been allowed to join Al-Hilal, who are battling with Portuguese side Al-Nasser in the race for the Pro League title.

Al-Hilal and Al-Nasr are both majority owned by PIF (The Saudi Public Investment Fund) as are Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. Reports suggest that Ronaldo believes the PIF has shown favoritism by allowing such a big-name player to move from one of their clubs to another.

The 40-year-old showed his displeasure by making himself unavailable for Al-Nasr’s game with Al-Riyadh on Monday – His team eventually won 1–0 to finish one point behind Al-Hilal – and now there is widespread speculation that he will leave Saudi in June.

Al-Hilal are enjoying themselves with Benzema on board

Al-Hilal have no such problem, however, having signed Benzema, the reigning Saudi Pro League Player of the Year, on a free transfer and giving him a lucrative 18-month contract.

Their CEO Esteve Calzada said he was not interested in Ronaldo going on strike – “you’d have to ask him” was his response – but was happy Benzema was now on board.

He told El Larguero: “We were given a unique opportunity because we were looking for a striker and Benzema is a Ballon d’Or winner and has fantastic talent. Besides, he doesn’t have to adapt to our league. He has been handed to us and we are already seeing the benefits professionally.”

He added: “Although it is a signing that has been made for the needs of the sport, we have decided to work to get more out of it. I am not surprised that Benzema chose Al-Hilal because it is the most powerful and popular club in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Nasr are in action against Al-Ittihad on Friday and there will be plenty of attention on the team sheets to see if Ronaldo plays.