Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassrplaceholder image
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr | Getty Images
Ronaldo is currently on strike at his Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, and could return to his former club.
Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has just turned 41, yet he is still as goal-hungry as ever, and only 34 goals away from reaching 1000 career goals, which would be a historic feat for the Portugal international.
He is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, but is considering his future, as he is on strike at the moment, because he believes that Saudi’s Public Investment Fund is prioritising the other clubs it owns (Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli) in the transfer market, as Al Nassr didn’t sign any big names in the January transfer window.
Ronaldo’s future in Saudi Arabia is now very uncertain, and according to Sky Sports Journalist Kaveh Solhekol, he will have a £50m release clause in the summer. Could Ronaldo see a return to Europe?
Ronaldo could return to boyhood club
Ronaldo began his illustrious career at Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, and so it is no surprise that the club’s name has been mentioned as a potential destination for the Portugal international to return to, if he were to leave Al Nassr in the summer.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ronaldo could return to Europe in the summer, and Sporting would be one of the top destinations, as it would be the perfect ‘full circle’ ending to one of the best footballing careers that the game has ever seen.
Ronaldo has been at Al Nassr since 2023, making 127 appearances, scoring 111 goals, and providing 22 assists. He has really become the poster-boy for the Saudi Pro League, and was one of the reasons they’ve been able to attract so many big-name players over the past few years.
However, now that his future is uncertain, several clubs in Europe will be keeping an eye on the 41-year-old’s situation, as they wouldn’t just be signing a forward; they’d be signing a global brand.
Could Ronaldo return to Man United?
Amid the recent uncertainty about Ronaldo’s future, it is only natural that the question about Man United gets asked. The forward left the club in 2022 as a free agent. Ronaldo did play under Carrick, as the current United boss managed Ronaldo for three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left as manager, and the Portugal international scored three goals in those games.
Recent reports have suggested that Man United could begin talks with Ronaldo over a potential return to Old Trafford, to see out the end of his career, and potentially help Man United next season, especially if they qualify for the Champions League under Carrick.
A potential return is unlikely, but it likely depends on who the permanent Man United boss is moving forward. Seeing as he played under, and alongside Carrick, it could be enough to tempt Ronaldo to return, but equally, United may not want to spend the money on his wages, and disrupt the dressing room with such a big name yet again.
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