Saudi Pro League fighting to keep Ronaldo amid Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli offers

Cristiano Ronaldo may have played his final game for Al-Nassr, but the Saudi Pro League isn’t ready to let him go just yet. 

His contract expires on June 30, and Marca reports that SPL decision-makers are pulling out all the stops to ensure the Portuguese icon remains in Saudi Arabia.

That could mean joining one of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) other flagship clubs. Talks are already underway to convince Ronaldo to stay in the Kingdom for at least one more season.

The 40-year-old star has reportedly been offered to Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.

Despite the best efforts of sporting director Fernando Hierro, Ronaldo has decided to end his association with Al-Nassr following yet another trophyless campaign.

Since joining the Riyadh giants in January 2023, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has bagged 93 goals and 19 assists in 105 games across all competitions.

Despite maintaining his prolific form in his fourth decade, Ronaldo has yet to taste silverware.

This season appears to be the final straw. Ronaldo ended the season with 35 goals in 41 games. He scored 25 times in 30 league games to win the Golden Boot for the second successive season.

However, he had no silverware to crown his efforts as Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League semi-finals against Kawasaki Frontale and missed out on the Saudi Super Cup and the King’s Cup.

To make matters worse, Al-Nassr missed out on qualification for the Asian Champions League, finishing five points behind SPL runners-up Al-Hilal.

The only silverware he has picked since his exit from Manchester United in November 2023 is the Arab Club Champions Cup.

There will be speculation over Ronaldo’s next destination, but PIF are trying to move him to Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli, with both clubs set to feature in next season’s Asian Champions League.

Al-Hilal will also play in this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. 

A move to Al-Hilal would offer Ronaldo a chance to play against his former club, Real Madrid, in what would be a blockbuster moment for both parties.