Saudi Pro League targets Salah, Fernandes as potential Ronaldo replacements

The Saudi Pro League is already preparing for life after Cristiano Ronaldo, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah identified as potential new global ambassadors for the league.

Ronaldo has been the face of Saudi football since his blockbuster arrival in December 2022, joining Al-Nassr on a free transfer after more than two decades at the top level in Europe.

Now 41, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the most high-profile player ever to feature in the Saudi Pro League, helping to accelerate its global visibility and commercial growth.

However, fresh uncertainty has emerged around Ronaldo’s future despite signing a lucrative contract extension with Al-Nassr in 2025 that runs until next summer.

Reports suggest tensions have surfaced following comments attributed to the Portuguese forward, in which he questioned whether the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), provided enough backing during the most recent transfer window compared to rival Saudi clubs.

Ronaldo’s contract reportedly includes a £43 million exit clause that becomes active at the end of the season, opening the door to a possible departure.

His recent absence from Al-Nassr matches has only fueled speculation. He missed the 1-0 league win over Al-Riyadh on Monday and was also absent from the 2-0 home victory against Al-Ittihad last Friday, prompting questions about his role within the squad.

With the possibility of Ronaldo moving on, league officials are already exploring high-profile alternatives.

According to a source within the Saudi Pro League quoted by The i Paper and reported by Sport Bible, Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes are viewed as ideal successors to carry the league’s global image.

“Salah and Fernandes would be ideal choices, especially Salah, because he would draw in an Arab audience as a Muslim,” the source said. “Either of those newcomers, plus that young talent, would be really big for us.”

Both players boast immense pedigree and worldwide appeal. Salah has been a cornerstone of Liverpool since joining in the summer of 2017, scoring over 250 goals in all competitions and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest forwards.

His influence extends well beyond football, particularly across the Arab and Muslim world.Fernandes, meanwhile, has been central to Manchester United since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020.

Now club captain, the Portuguese midfielder has scored more than 100 goals for United, combining leadership with consistent attacking output from midfield.

While there is no confirmation that either player is close to a move, their emergence as potential ambassadors underlines the Saudi Pro League’s ambition to maintain its momentum on the global stage, even if its biggest star decides to move on.