The Portuguese continues not to play for Al-Nassr, and his departure is starting to gain a lot of strength months before the World Cup.
The Arab football ecosystem is facing its biggest crisis after it was revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to make an immediate departure from Al-Nassr. The Portuguese star, at 41, feels unprotected due to a transfer policy that, according to his circle, unfairly benefits his direct rivals.
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The tension escalated when it was revealed that the Portuguese captain has a contractual escape route set at just £44 million. This figure has raised alarm at Manchester United and Sporting CP, who see a golden opportunity after the 2026 World Cup. But… Now is the battle!
Even various MLS franchises have started formal requests to lure the highest-scoring player of all time to North American soccer soon. “Bicho”‘s displeasure is no secret, as he already formally warned the PIF and Saudi Pro League of his resignation.
The gap between Cristiano Ronaldo and the PIF financial system
Cristiano Ronaldo is leading a personal crusade against what he sees as a clear imbalance in the distribution of state funds for transfers. (remember everything is owned by the royal family) The trigger for his rebellion was Karim Benzema’s recent transfer, who left Al-Ittihad to bolster Al-Hilal’s ranks.
Ronaldo does not understand how the reigning champions got financial approval to meet the French striker’s very high financial demands recently. While his competitors secure the elite players, the Riyadh team could only secure low-profile purchases during the winter market. This situation has created enormous pressure on the Saudi Arabian authorities responsible for administering the ambitious football league program.
Despite extending his contract until the summer of 2027, the Portuguese striker feels let down by the lack of support. The player was instrumental in bringing in leaders like José Semedo, but now feels they lack the tools to compete.
Saudi Pro League response and CR7’s future
The top officials of the Saudi Pro League responded quickly to the experienced striker’s complaints this week. Official competition spokespersons stated that each institution operates with complete autonomy and under financial rules that ensure overall sustainability. (Bull)
“No one, regardless of their media prominence, has the authority to interfere in the decisions of other clubs,” the Arab directors stated. This institutional stance creates a dangerous break with Cristiano Ronaldo, who already missed commitments against Al-Riyadh. It has even been confirmed that the Portuguese will not be present in the decisive match against Al-Ittihad due to rising internal hostilities.
The league insists that the competitive balance is genuine, citing the narrow points gap among the top four. However, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) knows that retaining its top figure is crucial to the country’s image.
This is the price to get Cristiano Ronaldo out of Saudi Arabia
An early goodbye from the Portuguese striker?
The goal of reaching 1000 goals seems to be slipping away from the desert unless there is a real rapprochement between the parties involved. Saudi officials are optimistic that upcoming meetings will calm the waters and prevent the global icon from fleeing this summer.
It is speculated that the long-term plan included Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a minority owner of the club. However, the discontent over the €2 billion budget split between the teams has destroyed any trace of patience. If the favouritism of Al-Hilal continues, the £44 million clause will serve as the safe passage to a new destination.
The sports world is closely watching this power struggle where pride and money collide without mercy. In the end, the fate of Cristiano Ronaldo will determine the final success or failure of the most ambitious football project of the last decade.
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