Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr in doubt amid frustrations
Cristiano Ronaldo could now leave Al-Nassr after missing the club’s past two fixtures amid growing frustration with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reports BritPanorama.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward is understood to be deeply unhappy with the PIF’s approach to transfer business, which he believes has consistently favoured rival Saudi Pro League sides over his own club. His absence from Friday’s encounter with Al-Ittihad has fuelled intense speculation about his future in the kingdom.
Arriving in Saudi Arabia in December 2022, Ronaldo has served as the league’s most prominent figure. However, his relationship with league officials appears to have deteriorated significantly, raising questions about his continued presence.
Saudi officials have reportedly been left surprised by Ronaldo’s actions and remain resolute that no individual player stands above the league’s broader ambitions. Al-Nassr are prepared to allow the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to depart should he seek an exit this summer, with a release clause worth £43 million set to become active once the current campaign concludes.
The Saudi Pro League seems ready to sever ties with the veteran attacker, as officials consider high-profile alternatives should Ronaldo’s departure materialise this summer. A source close to the league indicated, “With other big names leaving, we will look at lots of other marquee names in the summer.”
Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes have emerged as potential candidates to become the league’s next flagship signing, aimed at maintaining global interest in Saudi football. Meanwhile, speculation about a return to Sporting Lisbon, where Ronaldo began his career, is also growing, although concerns remain over the club’s ability to trigger his release clause.
On the pitch, Al-Nassr demonstrated they can cope without their star man, securing a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad on Friday evening, courtesy of goals from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel. How the Ronaldo situation plays out, amid rising frustrations from both sides, remains to be seen.
