Contract ends June
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr remains unclear with his contract expiring next month and he’s now been linked with a sensational move to Brazil. Ronaldo has received a proposal from an unnamed Brazilian club to join them this summer, according to Marca. The Spanish outlet claims that the offer is ‘tempting’ for the Portugal international and it could allow him to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Real Madrid and Manchester United legend moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after league chiefs enticed the legendary attacker with an eye-watering salary. The Portugal captain paved the way for many top players to abandon their careers in European football to pursue the riches in the Middle East. But despite scoring 91 goals in 103 games, Ronaldo has failed to lift silverware for Al-Nassr and that’s reportedly made him consider his future as he prepares for the last chapter of his iconic career.
What next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
There were strong reports in January that Ronaldo was on the verge of penning a lucrative one-year extension that would earn him €185 million – €550k per day. The 40-year-old, however, has yet to commit his future to Al-Nassr and speculation has intensified recently around his unhappiness at a lack of trophies. Ronaldo has enjoyed a fruitful season with 33 goals in 39 games but Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League to Japanese side Kawasaki. That defeat ensured another trophyless season for Al-Nassr and they are at risk of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League next season as they sit outside the top three with just two games remaining in the Saudi Pro League.
Marca suggest one of four Brazilian clubs competing in the upcoming Club World Cup have approached Ronaldo. Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras are the four participating Brazilian clubs involved in the competition that gets underway on June 13th in the United States. Despite the reports in Spain, Ronaldo’s proposed move to Brazil must be viewed as unlikely, as must any participation in the Club World Cup. Firstly, Ronaldo’s contract expires on June 30th – based on Transfermarkt data – and all four Brazilian clubs could feasibly be eliminated by that date with the group stages ending on June 27th. Then there’s the financial factor with Brazilian clubs simply unable to offer anything near what Ronaldo currently earns in Saudi.
On rumours that Ronaldo could be heading for Brazil, Botafogo coach Renato Paiva joked about how unlikely it was, stating: “Christmas is only in December … But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that. I don’t know anything. I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.” Ronaldo is hugely motivated to continue his career with the 2026 World Cup a major goal and the next step in his club career will be fascinating with a decision imminent.
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