Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al Nasr is increasingly being discussed beyond goals and records, as the Saudi Professional League prepares for significant structural changes related to Saudi Arabia’s build-up to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo goes too far with Sadio Mane
League officials aim to reposition Saudi football on the world stage, a strategy that could reshape the environment surrounding Al Nasr and its biggest stars over the coming seasons. According to multiple reports, the Saudi Professional League is preparing for what insiders are calling a second major revolution.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported that league dealmakers are targeting 50 peak-age foreign players as part of an acquisition effort that could reach $2.4 billion by the summer of 2026. This focus represents a move away from the early ‘legends first’ phase that brought global icons like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the league, and towards signing players near their prime who can support the competition in the long term.
Vinicius Junior likely to arrive in Saudi Arabia
At the top of the reported wish list is Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, who is seen internally as the potential face of the league heading into the World Cup era. beIN Sports claimed that Al Ahly are ready to assemble a package worth up to $1.2 billion for the Brazilian player.
Other elite European stars such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes and Robert Lewandowski have also been rumored as Saudi authorities seek to balance commercial appeal with on-field sustainability. Ronaldo’s schedule is a key factor in how these plans play out.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is under contract with Al Nasr until the summer of 2027, but reports suggest this could end his club career, even if there is a possibility of a short extension. With that horizon in mind, clubs are beginning to make decisions to prioritize the post-Ronaldo era.
Massive transformation in Al Nasr
One of the most notable developments concerns Al Nasr’s current supporting cast. According to 365Scores Arabic, the club have no intention of renewing the contracts of Marcelo Brozovic or Sadio Mane. According to the newspaper, Brozovic has already instructed his agent to consider a return to Europe next summer, and Mane’s contract is expected to expire without being renewed.
Their potential departure signals a broader shift in philosophy. Mane’s influence was evident earlier this season when Al Nasr won 10 games in a row before departing for the African Cup of Nations, but that period coincided with a decline in form and a decline in the services of Ronaldo and Joao Félix. Brozovic served as a stable presence in midfield, allowing the attackers more freedom to move.
For Ronaldo, the change could mean adapting to a restructured squad as the league accelerates towards its World Cup ambitions. More broadly, the decision underscores a clear message across Saudi football that past circumstances will not outweigh future plans. The Saudi Pro League is poised for the next stage as discussions continue over young targets such as Vinicius, Gabriel Martinelli and Amadou Onana.
