Cristiano Ronaldo Set for £43m Transfer as Saudi Prepares to 'Crown New King'
Ronaldo has reportedly refused to play for Al-Nassr.
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Tom Jenkins
Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to leave Al-Nassr with Saudi Arabia planning to sign a new superstar following the 41-year-old's strike.
Ronaldo hasn't been included in an Al-Nassr matchday squad since January, missing his sides Saudi Pro League clashes with Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad.
This comes after the Portuguese international went on strike due to his side's lack of action in the January transfer window.
Portuguese outlet Record claim that Ronaldo feels the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – which owns Al Nassr as well as Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Hilal - is favouring his rivals in the transfer market.
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Following the strike, the SPL issued a damning response to Ronaldo claiming 'the competitiveness of the league speaks for itself.'
Ronaldo has scored 17 goals this domestic season, two goals behind the SPL's top scorer Ivan Toney, as the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner seeks to become the first footballer to hit 1000 professional goals.
The 41-year-old's record in Saudi meant the record just seemed a matter of time, but following the recent tensions he may have to look elsewhere.
According to The i Paper Ronaldo's recent outburst has raised the possibility of a summer exit, with the former Man Utd and Real Madrid man having a £43 million release clause.
Ronaldo's release clause will become active this summer, however, Saudi officials are not too concerned at a possible exit for their poster boy.
The report claims it would be preferable for Ronaldo to stay but if he was to leave, the Saudi Pro League is ready to crown “a new king”.
A source close to the SPL told The i Paper : "Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be the perfect picks, Salah especially, given he would attract an Arab audience as a Muslim.
“Either of those coming in, along with that younger talent, would be huge for us. And really soften any Ronaldo blow," they added.
As for Ronaldo, the current odds from William Hill place Sporting CP as the favourites to activate the release clause at 7/2, with an outside move to the MLS also tipped.
This is backed up by The i Paper's report which claims the Portuguese side are leading the race, with United currently not interested in signing Ronaldo for a third time.
Sporting Lisbon – 7/2
Manchester United – 6/1
Real Madrid – 8/1
Juventus – 12/1
Paris Saint-Germain – 16/1
Any MLS Club – 25/1