Ronaldo could quit Saudi as release clause surfaces and Europe or MLS emerge as 1,000-goal quest approaches
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly considering leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in the summer, with a return to Europe or a move to MLS considered potential options. The 40-year-old, on a contract worth £488,000 per day, is the highest-paid footballer in history and began a strike earlier this week. Ronaldo is claimed to be unhappy with the manner in which Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is handling Al-Nassr's finances, particularly in comparison to how they are treating rival clubs. The PIF controls a 75 per cent stake in four Saudi Pro League clubs — Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Ronaldo's Al-Nassr — and has been the driving force behind the league's ability to attract some of world football's biggest names on lucrative contracts. Al-Hilal completed the signing of Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema on Monday, moving from fellow Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. Al-Hilal are currently one point clear of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, with the veteran Portuguese star said to believe his club have not been treated fairly in the transfer market.
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Benzema signing and the shifting transfer landscape as Ronaldo questions Al-Nassr’s reinforcements
Al-Hilal were further strengthened on Monday with the signing of Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema, left as the big-name addition that sparked further talk of a widening gap in Saudi football’s transfer market. Ronaldo reportedly claims Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has not received adequate reinforcements compared to their rivals, despite Benzema's move being funded by outside investors rather than the PIF. Ronaldo launched an apparent strike on Monday, with the forward absent from Al-Nassr's 1-0 win over Al Riyadh. According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Ronaldo's frustration has led to him considering leaving Al-Nassr in the summer. The report claims Ronaldo has a £43m (€50m) release clause, with the veteran having 18 months to run on a two-year deal he signed last summer.
Ronaldo’s 1,000-goal pursuit and a potential Europe or MLS exit
In December, Ronaldo hinted at a possible return to Europe as he reiterated his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Dubai, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward said he was determined to 'keep going' at the top level. Ronaldo is now claimed to be considering an exit with a move to Europe or the MLS considered possible options. He has a reported £43m release clause, but it remains to be seen whether a club would trigger it given the veteran forward turns 41 on Thursday. 'My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe,' Ronaldo said. 'I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. I will reach the number (1000 goals) for sure, if no injuries.' The Portuguese icon scored his 961st career goal during Al-Nassr's 3-0 win over Al-Kholood last Friday.
Europe contrasts, MLS doubts and a January transfer window that widened the gap
Ronaldo’s remarks in the past have often drawn attention to Europe’s quality and MLS. He had claimed in 2023 that 'Europe lost a lot of quality' with only the Premier League considered 'one of the best' in his eyes, and he dismissed the MLS in the same interview that followed Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami: 'The USA? No, the Saudi championship is much better than the USA.' Ronaldo’s frustrations in Saudi Arabia come as Al-Nassr signed 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem in January, while Al-Hilal have lured Spanish centre back Pablo Mari for £1.7m and spent a further £26m on Rennes forward Kader Meite, in addition to Benzema. Last month, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus publicly criticised perceived financial inequality and argued that Al-Nassr 'does not have the political power of Al-Hilal,' a team he previously managed. His remarks prompted Al-Hilal to request the Saudi Pro League suspend Jesus for between six months and a year.
