Saudi -Arab officials are in “difficult” conversations to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star ball suggested that he was already leaving Nassr.
“There is a constant difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), an important investor in Saudi football.
“The first option is a transfer to Al Hilal with a chance to prevent in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” added the source.
Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” at night on Monday, hours after the Saudi Pro League was completed with Al Nassr finished third and again tropheeloos.
A special transfer window will be opened from 1 to 10 June to sign the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup players to sign players.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last week “There are discussions” about the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star who play at the enlarged tournament in the United States from 14 June.
Portuguese attacker Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr van Manchester United in 2022 and his contract ends at the end of next month.
“Ronaldo's presence is a key factor in the development of the Saudi league in the past two years and a half. He opens the door for Elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.