Mohamed Salah has once again been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, but a transfer could frustrate Cristiano Ronaldo after he recently fell out with Al-Nassr
17:41, 10 Feb 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo could continue his frustration against Al-Nassr if another rival signs Mohamed Salah
Cristiano Ronaldo could continue his frustration against Al-Nassr if another rival signs Mohamed Salah(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo could see his relationship with Saudi Arabia tested after it emerged that Mohamed Salah's agent has been speaking to Al-Ittihad over a potential summer transfer.
Ronaldo missed two Saudi Pro League games for Al-Nassr after protesting the lack of transfer activity, but has since announced his return to the side. Ronaldo is desperate to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, but was upset that the Public Investment Fund didn't strengthen the squad.
His anger was further justified by Al-Hilal's capture of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, as the team is also owned by the Saudi PIF. Now, Salah has been linked with a move from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia, but Al-Nassr hasn't been mentioned as a possible destination.
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Al-Nassr is one point behind leaders Al-Hilal, but Ronaldo has never won the league title since moving to Saudi Arabia. Following his stance after Benzema signed for a rival, Salaj joining another opposition club could further frustrate Ronaldo
According to Foot Mercato, Salah's agent is in talks with Al-Ittihad over a summer transfer. Should an approach be made at the end of the season, Liverpool would receive a transfer fee for Salah, helping replace the legendary winger.
Salah has been linked with several Saudi Pro League teams since the division began throwing unprecedented salaries at soccer stars, but Al-Ittihad is now seen as the frontrunner. Liverpool has struggled across the board this season, but Salah hasn't looked like the same player.
Mohamed Salah has been linked with a summer transfer to Al-Ittihad
Mohamed Salah has been linked with a summer transfer to Al-Ittihad(Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo has emerged victorious from his standoff with Al-Nassr, after demanding that overdue salaries be paid and two executive staff members be reinstated. However, a statement from a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said that true authority rests in Saudi Arabia.
"The [league] is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules," they said. "Clubs have their own boards, their own executives, and their own football leadership.
"Decisions on recruitment, spending, and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.
"Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
"But no individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club. Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way.
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"Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.
"The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive.
"That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended. The focus remains on football - on the pitch, where it belongs - and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans."