Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly weighing up a summer exit from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, with a possible return to Europe or a move to Major League Soccer under consideration.
The 40-year-old forward, who earns around £488,000 per day and is the highest-paid footballer in history, is said to be dissatisfied with how Al-Nassr’s finances are being managed. Reports suggest his concerns stem from comparisons with the treatment of rival clubs by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The PIF holds a 75 per cent stake in four Saudi Pro League clubs—Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr—and has played a central role in attracting global stars to the league through lucrative contracts.
Tensions are believed to have increased following Al-Hilal’s recent signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who moved from Al-Ittihad earlier this week. Al-Hilal currently sit one point ahead of Al-Nassr in the league table, with Ronaldo reportedly feeling his club has been disadvantaged in the transfer market.
According to reports, Ronaldo believes Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has not received the same level of reinforcement as his rivals, despite claims that Benzema’s move was financed by external investors rather than the PIF.
Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s 1–0 victory over Al Riyadh on Monday, an omission described by some reports as an apparent strike.
Portuguese newspaper Record claims the forward’s growing frustration has led him to consider leaving the club at the end of the season. The report adds that Ronaldo has a £43 million (€50 million) release clause in his contract, with 18 months remaining on the two-year deal he signed last summer.
It remains unclear whether any club would be willing to activate the clause, with Ronaldo set to turn 41 later this week.
