Saudis desperate to keep Cristiano Ronaldo; Al-Hilal & Al-Ahli offers on the table: Report

The Portuguese megastar has hinted that he could leave Al-Nassr this summer.

After the forward hinted that he could depart Al Nassr, a source with knowledge of the discussions told AFP on Thursday that Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” discussions regarding keeping Cristiano Ronaldo in the kingdom.

Hours after the Saudi Pro League concluded, with Al Nassr finishing third and without a title once more, Cristiano Ronaldo mentioned on a social media post’s first line on Monday, “This chapter is over.”

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.

The 32 teams competing in the Club World Cup have a unique transfer window from June 1–10 to sign players.

Even Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, stated last week that “there are discussions” about the former star of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon participating in the expanded event in the US beginning on June 14.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source further added.

His camp is evaluating every possibility, and his choices are still open. Cristiano Ronaldo is thinking about transferring overseas or remaining in Saudi Arabia with a non-PIF team. He is also looking into possibilities with teams that will compete in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

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