Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Al Nasr and after missing two games in a row, the Portugal international has been linked with a sensational return to one of his old clubs
Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al Nasr permanently in the summer (Image: Yasser Baksh)
If the disgruntled Cristiano Ronaldo forces a move this summer, Al Nasr will be out of his way. There is a £43m release clause in the Portugal international’s contract, which will kick in at the end of the season.
Ronaldo, 41, has not featured in Al Nasr’s last two matches since effectively going on strike over dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which gave preferential treatment to rival clubs in transfer activities.
Ronaldo is set to sever ties with the former Manchester United and Real Madrid megastar, with speculation mounting that he could seek a break from the Saudi Professional League after missing Friday’s game against Al Ittihad.
The i Paper reports that Saudi officials are “appalled” by Ronaldo’s actions and remain firm in their belief that no player, even a multiple Ballon d’Or winner, is better than they want for the league.
read more: Cristiano Ronaldo showed what Al Nasr fans thought about the strike with the reaction of the crowd inside the stadiumread more: Cristiano Ronaldo again absent from Al Nasr team following strike controversy
With that in mind, they are ready to “sign a new king” if Ronaldo, who has been the league’s marquee player since joining in December 2022, leaves.
A source close to the league told the magazine: “With other big names leaving, we will be looking at a number of other potential players in the summer. Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be perfect picks, especially since Salah, as a Muslim, would appeal to an Arab audience.”
“Whichever of them comes in will be huge for us with their young talent and will really soften the blow for Ronaldo.”
Al Nasr supporters show their support for Ronaldo, who missed Friday’s second leg (Image: Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United have no interest in bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford for a third time, but there is a possibility that he could return to his first club, Sporting Lisbon.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese team will be able to find the required £43 million to bring Ronaldo back to Europe.
Ronaldo’s absence on Friday night did not deter Al Nasr as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad with late goals from former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel.
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