Saudi Arabian officials are in "difficult" talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.
"There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play" in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.
"First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli," the source added.
Ronaldo posted "This chapter is over" overnight on Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.
A special transfer window opens from June 1st to 10th to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week said "there are discussions" over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the enlarged tournament in the United States starting on June 14th.
Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United and his contract expires at the end of next month.
"Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia," the source added.
remadimnpy
3
He should have qualified his club, Al Nasir for the World Club Cup rather than going to disturb those who qualified their clubs. Looking for a microwave food is not allowed. He should go and cook his own.
fatbikorst
0
It's better for him to score against construction workers and policemen to boost his goals😂
Inter Miami and MLS is a league first of all. school teams will beat
Mundanay
2
It’s become too convenient to point fingers at Cristiano Ronaldo every time Al Nassr falls short of silverware. But facts matter and so does context. Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has made a tangible impact on the club’s fortunes: He scored 14 goals in just 16 league matches in his debut half-season (2022–23), helping the club climb from 5th to 2nd in the Saudi Pro League. In the 2023–24 season, Ronaldo was the top scorer in the league with 35 goals, breaking the Saudi Pro League’s all-time record for goals in a single season. He led Al Nassr to win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, scoring both goals in the final against Al Hilal including the extra-time winner. Under his leadership, the club reached the finals of the King Cup and remained in title contention for much of the league season. Yet, for all his offensive brilliance, Al Nassr’s defense remains their Achilles’ heel. The club has consistently dropped points from winning positions due to defensive lapses, conceding late goals even against mid-table teams. In several high-stakes matches this season, Al Nassr’s defenders failed to protect slim leads or maintain structural discipline. While Ronaldo has done his part scoring, creating, and even captaining the side the backline’s inability to close games has cost the team crucial points and silverware. Before Ronaldo’s arrival, Al Nassr had not reached a major continental final or won any major trophy in years. His presence brought: Global media attention Commercial value And most importantly, a winning mentality that has visibly raised standards within the squad. To blame one man who has delivered at 39 what most players can’t at 25 is to ignore systemic issues that go far beyond a single player. Ronaldo is not the problem; he’s been one of the few consistent solutions.
fuceilpry
0
It's better for him to score against construction workers and policemen to boost his goals😂
Nonacmrstz
1
you people are the ones who knows old people
Jatckloru
2
he wants to score 1,000 goals before he retiring lol 😂😂
TheMentor
0
CR7 wants to score 1,000 goals before retiring, so don't expect him to hang up his boots now
bebdlmptz
2
He must leave for his son sake he's derailing future on upcoming soccer star.
Cezabemouy
6
Ronaldo is old now, he needs to retire honorably