Discourse underway for Ronaldo's continued tenure next season, according to a PIF representative; discussions reportedly challenging
Portuguese soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo's future in the Saudi Pro League remains uncertain, as talks about his potential transfer to Al Hilal for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup continue. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football, has revealed that discussions are ongoing to persuade Ronaldo to stay with the team.
According to a source from the PIF, Ronaldo's first option could be a transfer to Al Hilal, which would provide him with the opportunity to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup or to take the Asian champion title with Al Ahli. The oil-funded PIF owns a group of Pro League clubs, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli.
The 40-year-old forward joined Al Nassr from Manchester United earlier this year, but his contract expires at the end of next month. Following the club's third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League this week, Ronaldo announced through social media that "This chapter is over."
A special transfer window has been set from June 1-10 for teams involved in the newly expanded Club World Cup to sign players. Given that Ronaldo was the league's top scorer with 25 goals, his departure could be a significant blow to Al Nassr. Previous talks about extending his contract in Riyadh have not been successful.
Al Hilal, a possible destination for Ronaldo, could offer him the opportunity to join the Club World Cup, as they will be participating in the tournament in the United States from June 14. Additionally, there have been discussions about Ronaldo joining Inter Miami to play alongside Lionel Messi.
The news of Ronaldo's potential transfer follows Brazilian star Neymar's departure from Al Hilal in January after an injury-plagued 18-month stay in Saudi Arabia. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's presence, Al Nassr was unable to secure any trophies, losing in the Asian Champions League semi-finals last month.
While a final decision regarding Ronaldo's participation in the Club World Cup has yet to be made, FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned in a recent interview that discussions are ongoing with clubs, and Ronaldo might still join one of the participating teams. Saudi Arabia, which will host the World Cup in 2034, has made a significant impact on the football world by attracting European stars, starting with Ronaldo's move in 2023.
[1] AFP. (2023, May 16). Ronaldo's chapter may be over in Saudi Arabia, but options remain. Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2023/05/17/Ronaldo-tweet-leaves-Al-Nassr-future-uncertain/7201636066204/[2] Reuters. (2023, May 16). Cristiano Ronaldo says 'chapter is over' in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-says-chapter-is-over-in-saudi-arabia/ar-AA18u06r[3] BBC Sport. (2023, May 16). Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Al Nassr after announcing end of stay. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65320646[4] Goal.com. (2023, May 15). Wydad Casablanca in talks to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for Club World Cup. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/wydad-casablanca-in-talks-to-sign-cristiano-ronaldo-for-club/bltcd7bbfe7b655d6d3[5] MENAFC. (2023, May 16). AFC - season review. Retrieved from https://www.the-afc.com/-/media/files/competitions/confederations/club/afc-club-champions-league-season-review-2022-23-en.pdf
- Despite Cristiano Ronaldo's potential departure from Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League team might face a significant blow in losing their top scorer.
- If Ronaldo were to transfer to Al Hilal, he could have the opportunity to compete in the Club World Cup, either with the Asian champion or by joining the tournament in the United States.
- Besides discussions with Al Hilal, rumors have surfaced about Cristiano Ronaldo potentially joining Inter Miami, where he could play alongside fellow European champion, Lionel Messi, in the UEFA Champions League or other European-leagues.
