Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly rethinking his future in Saudi Arabia amid concerns over the level of financial support Al Nassr receive compared to rival clubs in the Saudi Pro League. A Sky Sports News report claims the star forward is dissatisfied with the club’s management. A situation that led to him missing Al Nassr’s match against Al Riyadh.
The striker allegedly feels Al Nassr are at a disadvantage and doesn’t receive the same financial backing as its rivals. Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad are all owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF.
The 40-year-old striker believes that his club is not receiving the same financial backing as the other three clubs, which are owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, including Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.
The striker is also frustrated by Al Hilal’s transfer activity. He is unsatisfied with Al Hilal signing Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad. In contrast, Al Nassr made only one signing in the January window. They brought in Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem.
Al Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League by just one point over Al Nassr. Ronaldo wants to win the Saudi title for the first time. He had hoped his club would strengthen the squad during the transfer window. The report adds that Ronaldo believes PIF prioritises its other clubs. Saudi football is now open to private investors.
Notably, Benzema’s move to Al Hilal was not funded by the SPL or PIF. The transfer was backed by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
Senior Saudi officials have urged Cristiano Ronaldo to end his strike and return to action for Al Nassr, expressing surprise at his unhappiness despite earning around £500,000 per day. They are keen for him to play in the key title clash against Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo still has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a £43 million release clause, and he continues to enjoy full backing from Saudi Arabia. The report adds that Al Nassr were inactive in the January transfer window after already spending close to £100 million this season.
