Saudi Arabian football officials are engaged in challenging negotiations to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to remain in the country and continue playing in the Saudi Pro League next season, a source close to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) revealed to AFP on Thursday.
The discussions come shortly after the football superstar hinted at his departure from Al Nassr, the club he joined in 2022.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play,” said the source, highlighting the significance of the talks.
The PIF, a major investor in Saudi football, views Ronaldo as a pivotal figure in the ongoing development of the league and its global profile.
The Portuguese forward, now 40 years old, posted a cryptic message on social media early Monday declaring, “This chapter is over,” just hours after the Saudi Pro League season concluded with Al Nassr finishing third without securing any trophies.
Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr is set to expire at the end of next month, adding urgency to the ongoing negotiations.
According to the source, one of the main options being explored is a transfer within the Saudi league itself. “The first option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source explained.
This potential move could keep Ronaldo in the region while allowing him to compete at a high-profile international club tournament.
The FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States starting June 14, features an expanded format this year, involving 32 teams.
A special transfer window will open from June 1 to June 10 to enable the participating clubs to sign players ahead of the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently acknowledged that “there are discussions” about Ronaldo’s involvement in the tournament, underscoring the possibility of the football icon playing on one of the biggest stages in club football once again.
Ronaldo’s impact on Saudi football has been widely acknowledged by league officials and investors. “Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half,” said the source.
“He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia.” Since his arrival, the league has attracted greater international attention, with a growing number of high-profile players considering moves to the Gulf region.
The negotiations come at a pivotal moment as Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in its football infrastructure and ambitions.
The Public Investment Fund’s role in boosting the profile and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League has been crucial, and retaining a global superstar like Ronaldo aligns with their long-term vision.
As talks proceed, football fans and analysts worldwide will be watching closely to see if Ronaldo’s next chapter remains in Saudi Arabia or if he will embark on a new journey elsewhere.
The outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications not only for Al Nassr but also for the broader ambitions of Saudi football on the international stage.