Al Nassr are reportedly lining up a Premier League player as Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement.
Ronaldo, 40, posted an ominous message on social media following Al Nassr’s 3-2 loss against Al Fateh during the final Saudi Pro League game of the season.
He wrote: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all."
Speculation surrounding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future was already heightened by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who claimed Ronaldo could still play at this summer’s Club World Cup, despite Al Nassr not taking part.
Advert
Speaking to YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed on Friday, Infantino revealed: "Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions..."
He added: "Yeah. Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs.
"So, if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup...who knows, who knows."
It is unclear who Ronaldo will join, but there are very few clubs that could afford his reported £177-per-year wages.
MARCA previously reported that four Brazilian clubs have shown interest in a potential move.
But who could replace Ronaldo?
Well, according to talkSPORT, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is being targeted by Al Nassr.
The Colombian, who is contracted to the Reds until June 2027, helped Arne Slot’s side to the Premier League title with 13 goals and seven assists in 36 league appearances in 2024/25.
Diaz, 28, has previously been linked with moves to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but no such deal materialised despite his father revealing that he supported Barca as a child.
“It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona supporter and that it would be his dream if he arrived at Barcelona,” said Diaz’s father during an interview with Win Sports in 2023.
“But, until this moment, thank Porto and Liverpool for the welcome with Luis and the way they received him. He is a player who has an easy time earning things because of his way of being, his humility, his work. He gives himself, he is a very disciplined player – thank God.”
Arne Slot on Luis Diaz transfer rumours
Slot, 46, responded to Barca sporting director Deco's comments about Diaz during a press conference last week.
“Every club has its own way of doing things,” Slot said.
“You are used to the fact that I don’t talk about players from other clubs that we haven’t signed.
“I understand he (Deco) is a big admirer of Lucho Diaz – because I am a big admirer of him as well. He is a great player, having a great season.
“He [Deco] admires a few players, which we all do. I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a lot as well!”
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Luis Diaz, Liverpool, Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, Football
Luke Davies