Ronaldo considering £43m move from Al-Nassr, favourites for his signature revealed

football

Express newspaper

07/02/2026 9:03

Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the verge of leaving Al-Nassr, as Saudi Arabia are planning to sign a new superstar following the 41-year-old's "strike".

Ronaldo has not been included in Al-Nassr's squad list since January, missing the Saudi Pro League matches against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad.

This comes after the Portuguese went on strike due to the club's lack of action in the January transfer window.

Portuguese outlet Record claims Ronaldo believes the Public Investment Fund (PIF) - which owns Al-Nassr, as well as Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal - is favouring his rivals in the transfer market.

Following this strike, the SPL gave a harsh reaction to Ronaldo, saying that "the competitiveness of the league speaks for itself."

Ronaldo has scored 17 goals this season in the league, two fewer than SPL's top scorer Ivan Toney, while the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is aiming to become the first footballer to reach 1000 goals in his professional career.

His record in Saudi Arabia made this goal seem only a matter of time, but after recent tensions he may have to look for another destination.

According to The i Paper, Ronaldo's recent outburst has raised the possibility of a summer exit, with the former Man United and Real Madrid star having a release clause of £43m.

The clause will be activated this summer, however Saudi officials are not too concerned about a possible departure of their key figure.

The report says it would be preferable for Ronaldo to stay, but if he leaves, the Saudi Pro League is ready to crown "a new king."

A source close to the SPL told The i Paper: "Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be the perfect choices, especially Salah, as he would appeal to an Arab audience as a Muslim.

"The arrival of any of them, along with the new talent, would be huge for us and would soften any blow from Ronaldo's departure."

As for Ronaldo, current odds from William Hill place Sporting CP as the favourites to activate the clause, while a possible move to MLS is also mentioned.

This is also supported by the report from "The i Paper" which claims that the Portuguese club is leading the race, while Manchester United is currently not interested in bringing Ronaldo back for a third time./Express newspaper/