Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering leaving Al-Nassr this summer, with options said to include a return to Europe or a switch to Major League Soccer.
The 40-year-old, the highest-paid footballer in history on a deal worth about £488,000 per day, is claimed to be unhappy with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is handling Al-Nassr’s finances compared with rival clubs. The PIF controls 75 percent stakes in four Saudi Pro League sides: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
Tensions reportedly intensified after Al-Hilal completed the signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, moving from Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal currently sit one point clear of Al-Nassr in the league standings, with Ronaldo believed to feel his club has been disadvantaged in the transfer market.
Ronaldo is also said to be frustrated that Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has not received comparable reinforcements, despite reports that Benzema’s move was funded by outside investors rather than directly by the PIF.
The forward was absent from Al-Nassr’s recent 1–0 win over Al Riyadh, a move described in Portuguese media as the start of a player protest. According to Record, that standoff has prompted Ronaldo to explore an exit at the end of the season.
The report adds that Ronaldo has a £43 million (€50m) release clause, with 18 months remaining on the two-year contract he signed last summer. Whether any club is prepared to activate that clause remains uncertain, especially with Ronaldo set to turn 41 this week.
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