Saudi Arabia officials are in talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, after the Portuguese star suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.
A source with knowledge of the negotiations disclosed this on Thursday.
The source said Ronaldo, whose arrival in 2023 heralded a rush of late-career players to Saudi Arabia, could transfer to Al Hilal and feature at the upcoming Club World Cup.
“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play in the Saudi Pro League next season, the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, told AFP.
“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 added.
The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli.
‘This chapter is over’: Ronaldo hints at Saudi exit as De Bruyne set for Napoli move
Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up this week with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.
A special transfer window opens from June 1 to 10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the newly expanded Club World Cup to sign players.
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the tournament in the United States from June 14.
Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in early 2023 from Manchester United, and his contract expires at the end of next month.
“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two and a half years. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the PIF source said.
Saudi Arabia has shaken up football by spending heavily on stars from Europe, starting with Ronaldo’s move, and the oil-rich country will host the World Cup in 2034.
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