Al-Nassr working on new deal for Ronaldo

Al-Nassr are hoping to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, with negotiations under way over a contract extension.

Ronaldo is out of contract with the Saudi Pro League club at the end of June.

The 40-year-old fuelled speculation over his future after Al-Nassr’s final match of the season on Monday, when he posted on social media: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.”

Ronaldo’s comment on social media came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo could play in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr having failed to qualify.

Ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 14, FIFA has instilled a short transfer window for clubs playing in the event to sign new players, opening the door to a potential move for Ronaldo.

However, Al-Nassr sporting director Fernando Hierro has confirmed the club are eager to keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs until June 30. We will work to renew his contract so he can continue with us, and there are many clubs interested in g him,” Hierro told a news conference.

“Ronaldo’s presence from the beginning is a national project.

“Cristiano has opened up soccer in this country to the world. It’s phenomenal that he had the courage to come here, stay here, and open up the Saudi Arabian league to the world.”

Al-Nassr’s Pro League rivals Al-Hilal, who are featuring at the Club World Cup, have been linked with Ronaldo, along with Botafogo and Wydad AC.

Ronaldo won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot for the second successive season with 25 goals, having netted 35 times to top the goalscoring charts in 2023-24.

Since making his debut for Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has scored more Pro League goals than any other player, with 74 to his name.

Ronaldo’s goals have come from a total expected goals (xG) tally of 67.07, averaging a goal every 90.62 minutes – the best ratio of any player in double figures in that span.