Cristiano Ronaldo could seek shock transfer as Al-Nassr contract talks ‘put on hold’

Cristiano Ronaldo faces an uncertain future at Al Nassr with contract talks on hold as a move to Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal are tipped to make a move for the forward

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr remains unclear with talks of a contract extension “put on hold”. The Portugal icon was tipped to sign a new two-year deal but another underwhelming year has cast doubt over his next move.

Ronaldo has continued to score with regularity but his efforts have not led to silverware for Al Nassr and talk of an internal Saudi Pro League switch is ramping up. Rival club like Al Hilal, who have qualified for the Club World Cup, have been touted as a potential destination.

Marca understands that the continued failures by Al Nassr have seen Ronaldo question whether or not he should remain. The five-time Ballon d’Or has scored 33 goals in 39 appearances this term but his side dropped to fourth in the league after losing 3-2 to table toppers Al-Ittihad on Wednesday.

It means they’re all but out of the title race and the 40-year-old stormed off the pitch, which was not well received by the club’s hierarchy. Ronaldo’s side were dumped out of the Asian Champions League semi-finals to Japanese side Kawasaki last week.

When the veteran frontman was axed by Manchester United and moved to the Middle East he claimed that his time in Europe was finished so, if he does leave Al Nassr, he is unlikely to move back to a top five league.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates son’s first international call-up with four-word messageREAD MORE: Paul Scholes names Man Utd star Ruben Amorim must refuse to sell in summer overhaul

Ronaldo has been in discussions over a new deal for months. His contract includes broader commercial, ambassadorial, and developmental roles. There were reports suggesting Ronaldo’s new contract would be worth up to £171million annually

Ronaldo has repeatedly stated his ambition to score 1000 goals before calling time on his glittering career. His total currently stands at 934 for club and country having made his senior debut for Sporting Lisbon as a teenager back in 2002. He said earlier this season: “I just want to enjoy [myself]. Plan for retirement? If it has to happen, in one or two years. I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon.

“I really want to enjoy [it], as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire. I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans. My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”

Ronaldo was the first major name to move to Saudi Arabia and was tipped to make Al Nassr serial trophy winners, but his only success thus far was the Arab Club Champions Cup, which he won in 2023.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.