Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns the Kingdom’s four biggest football clubs — Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli — is reportedly engaged in high-stakes negotiations to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to remain in the Saudi Pro League.
The discussions follow a cryptic message posted by the Portuguese superstar that hinted at a possible exit from Al Nassr.
A PIF source told AFP that Ronaldo’s top option is to join Al Hilal — Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club — with a potential opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States on June 14.
Al Ahli, reigning Asian champions, are also said to be in the mix.
According to local media reports, Al Hilal has already greenlit a mega-deal to bring Ronaldo into their squad before the global tournament begins.
Club insiders say the move would unlock a war chest exceeding $400 million, enabling a full squad overhaul that could include releasing several foreign players and acquiring high-profile Saudi talent.
While Al Hilal had previously dismissed the idea, citing concerns about disrupting the team's tactical structure, attitudes have shifted dramatically.
Talks have intensified over the past three weeks, with the club now viewing Ronaldo as a financial and sporting catalyst capable of transforming their future strategy.
Club officials are expected to make a final decision on Ronaldo’s transfer early next week.
At a press conference on Thursday, Al Nassr’s sporting director Fernando Hierro reaffirmed that Ronaldo’s contract runs until June 30, and said the club is still working with all parties to reach a resolution.
"There is a lot of work happening behind the scenes," Hierro said. "Ronaldo is a phenomenon, and there's significant interest from fans in Saudi Arabia for him to stay."
Ronaldo’s cryptic Instagram post —“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”— sparked speculation after Al Nassr ended their season with a 3-2 defeat to Al Fateh.
The loss cemented a third-place finish, denying them a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite.
The 40-year-old has yet to lift a domestic title with Al Nassr since joining in late 2022 on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth over €200 million.
His only silverware remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Despite the trophy drought, Ronaldo remains a potent force—finishing as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer for the second straight season with 25 goals.
Sources from Al Hilal say the club would need to offload current stars like Malcom, Kalidou Koulibaly, Renan Lodi, and Aleksandar Mitrović to make space for Ronaldo. This reshuffle, coupled with targeted domestic signings, could usher in a new era for the capital club—but only if the budget windfall tied to Ronaldo’s arrival is secured.
Speculation about Ronaldo's next move extends beyond Saudi Arabia. Clubs from Brazil, Mexico, and Europe have all been linked, though nothing official has materialized.
Adding to the intrigue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed there have been discussions to place Ronaldo with a Club World Cup participant.
"There are talks with clubs. Ronaldo may play—who knows?" Infantino told YouTube personality IShowSpeed.
However, The Athletic reported that Ronaldo’s representatives were displeased with Infantino's public remarks, emphasizing that no decision has been finalized.
What’s clear is that Ronaldo remains a central figure in Saudi football’s global ambitions. His presence has helped lure other top-tier talents, though efforts to sign Lionel Messi fell short.
