Cristiano's Saudi power play: CR7 threatens summer exit from Al Nassr
Ronaldo's discontent with Saudi investment fund's transfer policies has reached boiling point, with the Portuguese star considering activating his release clause this June.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s recent match wasn’t down to injury or load management – it was the opening salvo in what appears to be a calculated power struggle with the Saudi Pro League’s powerbrokers.
The Portuguese rebellion
When Ronaldo deliberately skipped Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh, it confirmed what transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had hinted at – CR7 is proper miffed with how things are being run in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid superstar believes the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which owns Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad – is deliberately hampering his club’s transfer ambitions to prevent them winning the league title. With just a single point separating Al Nassr (46) from table-toppers Al Hilal (47) after 19 matches, you can understand why he’s got the right hump.
The Benzema breaking point
According to Portuguese outlet Record, the transfer of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Ronaldo reportedly feels the PIF is strengthening Al Hilal while leaving Al Nassr short-changed in the transfer market.
The 39-year-old believes he “deserves more respect” considering his instrumental role in elevating Saudi football to unprecedented levels. Let’s not forget he’s also agreed to be an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid – not exactly small potatoes, is it?
Summer exit looming?
Despite having a contract until 2027 worth a cool £200 million annually, Ronaldo is seriously contemplating doing a runner this June. His deal reportedly includes a release clause that could facilitate an exit, with the United States emerging as a potential destination. A return to Europe hasn’t been ruled out either, though any interested club would need to stump up approximately £50 million.
Some Saudi pundits already consider him gone. Sports journalist Adel Al-Mulhim tweeted: “They promised him, so he renewed. He waited for their promises, but they disappointed him.”
Club solidarity
Interestingly, Al Nassr appears to be backing their star in this dispute. Following the Al Riyadh match, the club implemented a media blackout, preventing players from speaking in the mixed zone. Even manager Jorge Jesus skipped his post-match press duties – a move that could cost the club around €6,700 in fines under Saudi Pro League regulations.
Clearly, there’s something bigger at stake than a few thousand quid in fines. This standoff between football’s most famous number seven and Saudi football’s financial puppet masters could get very interesting indeed.