Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly contemplating a departure from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in the upcoming summer transfer window, with a potential return to European football or a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States being considered as viable options.
Strike Action Over Financial Concerns
The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who earns an astonishing £488,000 per day making him the highest-paid footballer in history, initiated a strike earlier this week. This dramatic action stems from his reported dissatisfaction with how Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing Al-Nassr's financial affairs, particularly when compared to their treatment of rival clubs within the league.
PIF's Influence and Perceived Inequality
The PIF holds a controlling 75 per cent stake in four Saudi Pro League clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Ronaldo's own Al-Nassr. This sovereign wealth fund has been instrumental in transforming the league, enabling it to attract global football icons through extraordinarily lucrative contracts. However, Ronaldo allegedly believes that Al-Nassr has not been afforded the same level of support in the transfer market as their competitors.
This perception was seemingly reinforced on Monday when Al-Hilal, currently leading Al-Nassr by one point in the league standings, secured the signing of Karim Benzema. Although this particular transfer was reportedly financed by external investors rather than directly by the PIF, it has highlighted the competitive imbalance. Ronaldo is said to feel that Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has not received adequate squad reinforcements compared to rival teams.
The Mechanics of a Potential Exit
According to reports from the Portuguese newspaper Record, Ronaldo's mounting frustration has led him to seriously consider an exit. His contract, signed last summer, is a two-year deal with approximately 18 months remaining. It includes a substantial release clause valued at £43 million (€50 million).
Whether any club would be willing to activate this clause for a player who turns 41 this Thursday remains a significant question. Nonetheless, a move back to a European league or a transition to MLS are being discussed as realistic possibilities for the veteran forward.
Ronaldo's Ambitions and Past Comments
In December, while attending an awards ceremony in Dubai, Ronaldo hinted at a possible European return, reiterating his fierce ambition to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals. "My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe," he stated. "I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries." He recently scored his 961st career goal for Al-Nassr.
These latest considerations mark a notable shift in stance from comments Ronaldo made in 2023. He previously asserted that "Europe lost a lot of quality," praising only the Premier League as "one of the best." He was also dismissive of MLS, stating, "The USA? No, the Saudi championship is much better than the USA," following Lionel Messi's high-profile move to Inter Miami.
Transfer Window Disparities and Managerial Tensions
Ronaldo's frustrations are compounded by Al-Nassr's relatively quiet January transfer window, which saw only the arrival of 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. In contrast, rivals Al-Hilal were active, acquiring Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7 million and spending a further £26 million on Rennes forward Kader Meite, in addition to the Benzema deal.
The situation has escalated into a public dispute. Last month, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus openly criticised the financial inequality, arguing that his club "does not have the political power of Al-Hilal," a team he formerly managed. These explosive remarks prompted Al-Hilal to formally request that the Saudi Pro League suspend Jesus for a period ranging from six months to a full year.
Ronaldo's apparent strike was demonstrated by his absence from Al-Nassr's squad during their 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on Monday. As the summer approaches, the football world watches closely to see if one of the game's greatest ever players will seek a new chapter away from the Saudi Pro League.
