Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly weighing up a departure from Al-Nassr when the summer transfer window opens, following an apparent strike action earlier this week.
The Portuguese superstar, who turns 41 on Thursday, was absent from his side’s 1-0 victory against Al Riyadh on Monday amid growing discontent with the club’s management.
According to reports, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has become increasingly frustrated with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is running Al-Nassr compared to rival clubs.
The PIF holds a 75 per cent stake in four Saudi Pro League sides, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, and Ronaldo believes his club has received unfair treatment in the transfer market relative to their competitors.
Portuguese newspaper Record has revealed that Ronaldo’s contract contains a £43million release clause, which could facilitate a summer move.
The veteran forward signed a two-year extension with Al-Nassr last June, a deal that reportedly sees him earn approximately £168million annually, cementing his status as football’s highest-paid player in history.
However, that enormous salary package could prove a significant barrier for potential suitors, with few clubs globally capable of matching such wages for a player approaching his 41st birthday.
According to bookmakers, an MLS club is currently the most likely destination at odds of 7/4, while his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon sits at 5/2.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly weighing up a departure from Al-Nassr when the summer transfer window opens
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Either a return to Europe or an American adventure remains a viable option should Ronaldo decide to leave Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese goalscorer is speaking to Manchester United about a potential return to Old Trafford in the summer, with both parties progressing towards an agreement, according to reports.
Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction appears to stem primarily from what he perceives as unequal investment across the PIF-owned clubs.
The situation intensified on Monday when Al-Hilal confirmed the acquisition of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, strengthening their title challenge against Al-Nassr, who trail the league leaders by a single point after 19 matches.
By contrast, Al-Nassr’s January business was limited to signing 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, while Al-Hilal also brought in Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7million and Rennes forward Kader Meite for £26million.
Cristiano Ronaldo turns 41 on Thursday
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Ronaldo reportedly feels manager Jorge Jesus has not been given sufficient reinforcements compared to their rivals.
Last month, Jesus himself publicly criticised the financial disparity, claiming Al-Nassr lacks the “political power” of Al-Hilal – remarks that prompted the latter club to seek a suspension of between six months and a year.
A move to MLS would potentially reunite Ronaldo with long-time rival Lionel Messi, though the Portuguese star has previously been dismissive of the American league.
In early 2025, Ronaldo defended the Saudi Pro League’s quality, he said: “Of course, of course [MLS is weaker]. But because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it a bit more.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is speaking to Manchester United about a potential return to Old Trafford in the summer, according to reports
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GETTYHe added that only those playing in the league truly understand its standard and that it deserves proper credit.
Yet speaking at an awards ceremony in Dubai in December, Ronaldo appeared to leave the door open for a European return as he pursues his ambition of reaching 1,000 career goals.
He said: “My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.”
The forward netted his 961st career goal in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al-Kholood last Friday.
