Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of securing a staggering new deal with Al-Nassr, which could see him pocket at least £168m. The former Manchester United ace’s contract with the Saudi Pro League team expires at the end of this season.
Since his dramatic departure from Old Trafford in January 2023, he has been playing in the Gulf state. Ronaldo’s base salary with Al-Nassr was £164m per season, with an additional £49m available through various off-field ventures.
The Saudi club has always been eager to secure a new deal with the 39 year old and it seems they are offering Ronaldo a pay rise to retain him. According to Marca, he will now earn nearly £4m more throughout the season and is also being offered a number of other lucrative bonuses.
Reports suggest that the Portuguese superstar will also be offered part-ownership of the club. Ronaldo has reportedly been given the opportunity to purchase around five percent of the club as part of a structural overhaul.
A new president and chief executive are expected to be appointed in the coming months. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund currently owns 75 percent of the club, as well as stakes in several of their division rivals.
Ronaldo has consistently championed the Saudi Pro League, recently claiming it surpasses the French top flight.
He said: “Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course,” and justified it by pointing out that “All France only has PSG. The rest are finished. Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40 degree weather and see. It is difficult to become champion in Saudi. This year Al-Hilal are better, Al-Ittihad are top of the league, but I believe that we have to push hard to be champions.”
He also reflected on his own accomplishments: “I’ve been champion everywhere I have (played) and I believe I will be champion, but I’ve won this trophy for scoring so many goals and assists and maintaining my level.”
On the possibility of returning to European football, Ronaldo acknowledged a financial allure to the Middle East by saying, “I knew that players would follow because, not only in financial terms, which is the main point you can say, but as well the culture of football.”
He admitted being aware of the region’s football culture and added, “I knew the culture of Saudi football was nice because I had friends who played there before, Portuguese coaches were there. Of course, if you ask me: You expect so quickly for big stars would move there? – No. But, I expected the football would change because of me. I believe in myself, not only in football but in other areas as well.”
Highlighting his impact and influence within Saudi Arabian football, where Ronaldo has achieved a record of 81 goals in 90 games for Al-Nassr, rumours suggest he may soon be playing alongside a familiar face from Manchester United. Reports indicate Ronaldo has urged club chiefs to consider signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
