Sources: Cristiano Ronaldo could quit Al Nassr, Man United decision speaks volumes
Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Al Nassr in a similar way to how he departed Man United amid an ongoing standoff between him and the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF.
Ronaldo has looked set to end his record-breaking career in the Saudi Pro League for the last few years since a 2022 move to Al Nassr.
The legendary Portuguese forward has scored 18 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, with 117 strikes in 133 games for the club overall so far.
His future at Al Nassr has been plunged into serious doubt over the last few weeks, however, after he went on strike to protest the apparent lack of financial backing that his club are receiving, compared to other state-backed teams.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Ronaldo could leave the Saudi Pro League soon to join another top club in the closing stages of his career.
Ronaldo could force his way out of Al Nassr like he did at Man United
The 41-year-old left Man United in similar circumstances just over three years ago, as he fell out with then-manager Erik ten Hag over the direction he felt the club was headed in, and his contract was terminated.
Ronaldo has praised new United interim boss Michael Carrick in the past, but even though a second return to Old Trafford seems unlikely, he could well leave Al Nassr for another top club very soon amid this latest dispute.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously the door has been opened for a potential move away for Ronaldo with this standoff between him, Al Nassr, and the Saudi backers.
“He’s unhappy with the recruitment at his club and thinks the Saudi people who are funding these teams, PIF, are giving preferential treatment to some of their rivals.
“It’s a real messy look for the Saudi Pro League right now. Ronaldo missed a game in midweek, and there is talk that he could miss a second game as well, even though he has returned to training.
“Ronaldo, if he’s not happy with the situation, we’ve seen him force a move away before. He got his move away from Manchester United when he wasn’t happy with how things were being run at Old Trafford.
“The same could happen at Al Nassr, I’m sure, if he’s not happy. He’s very headstrong, and he would think, ‘Right, I’ll move elsewhere.’
“I’m sure there’ll be some clubs willing to take a chance on Ronaldo despite his age, he’s still scoring goals and will be looking to stay sharp and fit ready for Portugal at the World Cup this summer as well.“
Lionel Messi will not be leaving Inter Miami amid post-playing plans
Ronaldo has been held up next to Messi as the two greatest players of a generation in the last 20 years, with the Argentine playmaker also following a similar path and seeing out the end of his career in a lesser league.
Messi‘s magical career has continued to reach new heights in the MLS, after he led Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup triumph against Vancouver Whitecaps last month.
Speculation around his future has been rife after the end of the MLS campaign in December, with Man City emerging as the favourites to be Messi’s next club, as they are likely the most capable of paying the type of wages he would want.
Sources have, however, told Football Insider that Messi has no plans to leave Miami as it stands, with his contract set to run until 2028 and a plan in place for him to move into their boardroom once he retires.