Club World Cup factor
Cristiano Ronaldo ended the Saudi Pro League with the golden boot before sparking intense speculation over his future with a cryptic tweet. Ronaldo failed to win any silverware again with Al-Nassr but picked up a consolation prize after netting 25 league goals – two ahead of Ivan Toney and four in front of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema. Despite securing a 3-2 win against Al Fateh on the final day, Al-Nassr will miss out on AFC Champions League qualification if Al-Qadsiah win the King Cup this weekend.
Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction over winning a major trophy since moving to Saudi is no secret and he dropped a hint over his future, posting on X: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” Ronaldo has yet to agree an extension with Al-Nassr with his contract expiring this summer and many interpreted his social media post as an indication that he could seek a new challenge. The 40-year-old has been linked with potential moves in recent weeks and we’ve analysed five potential transfer destinations.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Five potential transfer destinations
Brazil
Ronaldo has been strongly linked with a move to Brazil in recent weeks due to mounting speculation that he will play in the upcoming Club World Cup. This was fuelled by FIFA president Gianni Infantino stating: “Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs.” Four Brazilian clubs – Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo and Palmeiras – will compete in the tournament and Ronaldo’s presence would attract more eyes.
Al-Hilal
Realistically, Ronaldo’s current eye-watering wage in Saudi Arabia makes him prohibitive for any club outside the Middle Eastern nation, unless he accepts a substantial wage-drop. The Portuguese superstar, however, could remain in Saudi but transfer to rivals Al-Hilal, according to reports in the Middle East. Al-Hilal have been linked to Ronaldo previously and a move could be rubber-stamped by league chiefs as contracts are centralised in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal are involved in the Club World Cup and the move remains a distinct possibility.
Monterrey
Based on reports that Ronaldo will play in the Club World Cup, Monterrey have been linked with a move for the ageing attacker. Monterrey will represent Mexico at the tournament that begins on June 14th and they have a familiar face for Ronaldo in their squad. Former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos joined Monterrey last season and the pair enjoy a close relationship from their time in the Spanish capital.
Esperance Tunis
A move to a Tunisian club must be viewed as incredibly unlikely but Esperance Tunis were name dropped in an AS article. Any mooted move to Tunis would only be temporary to allow Ronaldo to play in the Club World Cup, with the likelihood boosted by FIFA chief Infantino’s recent comments about that possibility. The Tunisian champions current squad’s market value is just €19.85m with their most valuable player at €1.8m. So Ronaldo ending his glittering career at Tunis can be filed as impossible.
Sporting CP
A return to boyhood club Sporting CP would represent a romantic ending to Ronaldo’s legendary career. The Portugal captain progressed through the ranks at the Lisbon club before earning his big move to Manchester United. Ronaldo has previously stated that he’s never considered a return to Sporting but that could change as he embraces the final chapter of his career. The Portuguese champions will lose Viktor Gyökeres this summer and Ronaldo could head home as it’s unlikely that he will receive a feasible offer from a top five league club.
