Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr in January transfer window, says Saudi insider
A Saudi journalist and former Al-Nassr spokesperson claims Cristiano Ronaldo, contracted until 2027, has become "a player running on empty" for the Riyadh club and could depart this winter.
Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr before his contract expires on 30 June 2027. That’s the claim made by Saud Al-Sarami, a Saudi journalist and former spokesperson for the Riyadh club, in a podcast broadcast by Al Arabiya Sports on Wednesday.
“Cristiano has become a player running on empty for Al-Nassr, and I believe he will leave during the winter transfer window,” Al-Sarami said, claiming to have insider sources at the club. His statement carries weight given the media figure’s retained network within the Riyadh institution.
At 41 years old, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not made a convincing start to the season: three goals in seven matches across all competitions, and an overall impression of a player who appears uncomfortable and frustrated on the pitch. His World Cup campaign this summer with Portugal had already raised questions about his level.
The question of his next destination remains open. A move to MLS in the United States would represent a credible final sporting challenge. A return to Sporting Portugal, his boyhood club, would be another option — a role as ambassador as much as player, similar to Neymar’s return to Santos. Ronaldo himself confided to Vogue magazine last month: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy.”
No official confirmation has yet been provided by the player or Al-Nassr.
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