In a surprising development that could reshape the power dynamics in the Saudi Professional League, international media reports indicate that Al-Nassr's management has begun serious efforts to secure a world-class replacement should their captain, the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, depart. According to the renowned Portuguese newspaper "A Bola," the Saudi club has prioritized two prominent names: Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the top scorer for Liverpool FC, and Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United.
Background of the crisis and its impact on Ronaldo's future
This news comes amid growing speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with his club's activity during the recent winter transfer window. According to sources, Ronaldo feels the team's reinforcements have fallen short of expectations, especially when compared to the major signings made by rival clubs, most notably Al-Hilal, who bolstered their squad with several high-profile players. This frustration could lead the Portuguese star, whose arrival sparked a transfer revolution in Saudi Arabia, to consider leaving the club, with hints suggesting a possible return to his boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon.
General context of the Saudi League project
Since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, Saudi football has undergone a historic transformation. The Saudi League has become a destination for the world's biggest stars thanks to a massive sports project backed by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Public Investment Fund. Players like Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez have joined, raising the competition's technical and marketing value to unprecedented levels. In this context, Ronaldo's staying or leaving is a pivotal point; his departure could be seen as a blow to the project, but the swift action taken to secure a replacement of the caliber of Salah or Fernandes confirms that the ambitions of those in charge of Saudi sports will not be limited to any single player.
The importance of the proposed alternatives and their expected impact
Both Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes are strategic targets for Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League. Salah is a sporting icon in the Arab and Muslim world, and his move to Saudi Arabia would have implications far beyond football, attracting a massive global fan base. He was a primary target for Al-Ittihad last summer in a deal reportedly exceeding £150 million. Bruno Fernandes, on the other hand, is a creative force in midfield and one of the world's best playmakers. His presence would give Al-Nassr an extra edge in attacking play, and he also has a good relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo from their time together at Manchester United.
In conclusion, the newspaper confirmed that Saudi league officials are not worried about Ronaldo's potential departure; on the contrary, they are intensifying their efforts to ensure the continued media and fan interest in the competition by attracting another global star. The coming weeks appear crucial in determining the future of Al-Nassr and its captain, and whether the Saudi league will witness another blockbuster signing with the arrival of Salah or Fernandes.
