Saudi Pro League targets two stars to replace Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo complains after a play during Al Nassr's 2-2 draw against Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League on May 23, 2025. Photo by AFP

Ronaldo, 41, has been the face of the competition since his arrival in December 2022. However, despite signing a lucrative extension with Al Nassr through 2027, tensions have risen over his criticism of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) for allegedly underfunding the club's transfer activities compared to rivals.

Reports indicate the five-time Ballon d'Or winner holds a £43 million release clause that becomes active at the end of the season. Should he trigger this option, league officials are already planning contingencies.

A source close to the Saudi league told The i Paper that Salah or Fernandes would be ideal successors to maintain the league's global profile.

"Salah and Fernandes would be ideal choices, especially Salah, because he would draw in an Arab audience as a Muslim," the source said. "Either of those newcomers, plus that young talent, would be really big for us."

Speculation regarding Ronaldo's exit intensified after he missed Al Nassr's recent 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on Monday and the subsequent 2-0 win against Al Ittihad on Friday.

Both targets remain pivotal figures for their respective Premier League clubs. Salah, who has been at Liverpool since 2017, has now surpassed 250 goals across all competitions, while Fernandes has netted over 100 goals since joining Manchester United in January 2020.