Having now missed out on Al-Nassr's last two matches, Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the move as the Saudi Pro League prepares to crown a "new king" in his wake. It is believed that the 41-year-old's current employers aren't going to stand in his way if the disgruntled star pushes for a move this summer, with a £43million release clause in the Portugal international's contract set to kick in at the end of the season.
Ronaldo's relationship with the Middle East has soured after having grown frustrated with how Al-Nassr’s owners have treated the club - with PIF seemingly paying more attention to other clubs in their portfolio, like Al-Hilal, who they have strengthened by signing Karim Benzema in the January transfer window. That power struggle has seen Ronaldo go on strike.
After missing Friday's game against Al-Ittihad, speculation that Ronaldo could seek a move away from the Saudi Pro League has intensified - and it turns out they are ready to cut their ties with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar.
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Why Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr Future 'is Now in Serious Doubt'
Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the move again in the summer amid uncertainty over his Al-Nassr future.
Saudi Arabian Chiefs Ready To Wave Goodbye To Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo
The i Paper report that Saudi officials have been 'taken aback' by Ronaldo's actions and are steadfast in their belief that no player - not even the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Saudi ambassador - are above what they want to do with the league.
With that in mind, they are ready to 'sign a new king' if Ronaldo, who has been the league's poster boy since joining in December 2022, does depart. A source close to the league told the outlet:
“With other big names leaving, we will look at lots of other marquee names in the summer. Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be the perfect picks. Salah especially, given he would attract an Arab audience as a Muslim. Either of those coming in, along with that younger talent, would be huge for us. And really soften any Ronaldo blow.”
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Ronaldo has scored 17 goals this domestic season, two goals behind the competition top scorer Ivan Toney, as he seeks to become the first footballer to hit 1000 professional goals. The 41-year-old's record in Saudi meant the record just seemed a matter of time, but following the recent tensions he may have to look elsewhere.
As things stand, 'any MLS club' is the bookmakers' favourite destination for Ronaldo, while Sporting - his boyhood club where he started his career - are close runners-up.
Mo Salah: Saudi Arabia’s More Likely “New King”
Salah and Slot
There can be no argument about Mohamed Salah’s place among the very greatest players in Premier League history. But after a tenure with Liverpool that has seen him score 251 goals and register 119 assists in 425 appearances, lifting two league titles, a Champions League, and a host of individual honours, life after Salah has never felt closer than it does this season.
Going forward, the Reds look far more productive and in finer fettle when their play goes through Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, and it’s a difficult realisation for fans that their beloved “Egyptian King” might not be needed at Anfield much longer. That’s where Saudi Arabia, who have previously weighed bids of up to £200 million, may come knocking again this summer.
They could have the chance to sign the 33-year-old for a cutthroat fee in the coming months, even though Salah’s contract isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2027. While Bruno Fernandes is in the form of his life at Man United and two years younger, Salah is watching on as his teammates do much of the business for him - giving plenty of reason to believe he could become the “new king” over his rival.