The future of Cristiano Ronaldo is currently still up in the air. FIFA President Gianni Infantino would like to see the 40-year-old at the Club World Cup, while Saudi Arabia is fighting to keep him.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing for Al-Nassr for two and a half years now, but with his contract expiring on June 30, this chapter is coming to an end, as the Portuguese himself recently hinted. But what happens next?
In Saudi Arabia, efforts are apparently being made to keep the 40-year-old figurehead of the domestic Saudi Pro League. “Difficult negotiations are underway to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to stay and play in the Saudi Pro League next season,” an unnamed source was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.
The source is said to be close to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a Saudi sovereign wealth fund that invests in domestic soccer and other sports, but also owns Premier League club Newcastle United, for example. The source described CR7’s presence in Saudi Arabia as “a key factor in the development of the league. He has opened the door to attract top players and young talent to Saudi Arabia.”
Cristiano Ronaldo: To the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal?
Accordingly, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to remain in the Saudi Pro League, according to those responsible. According to the report, this could involve a move from Al-Nassr to Al-Hilal. Like Cristiano Ronaldo’s current employer, the club is based in Riyadh, but unlike Al-Nassr, it is participating in the Club World Cup, where it will face Real Madrid, RB Salzburg, and Mexican representative CF Pachuca.
Al-Ahli, based in Jeddah and reigning AFC Champions League winners, is also mentioned as an option. However, the team led by English national striker Ivan Toney and German coach Matthias Jaissle is not participating in the Club World Cup. And even Al-Nassr has not yet given up hope of extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract. Sporting director Fernando Hierro said on Thursday: “We are in contact with him to extend his contract and hope that he will continue to play for us.”
However, continuing at Al-Nassr would mean no Club World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo. FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently hinted that talks were underway for the Portuguese player to move to a Club World Cup participant. A transfer before the start of the reformed competition on June 15 in the US is made possible by an additional transfer window, which in turn opens on June 1. Among others, there is said to be interest from Brazil in signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
