Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the verge of leaving Al-Nassr, with an official announcement expected Thursday. This move could trigger a major shake-up in the Saudi Pro League as the club eyes Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as his potential successor.
The 39-year-old football icon sparked intense speculation after posting the message “this chapter is over” on social media earlier this week.
While Ronaldo has not confirmed his next destination, reports suggest several options are on the table, including a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), Brazil, Turkey, a return to Sporting Lisbon, or a switch to another Saudi club.
Ronaldo was reportedly close to agreeing on a staggering £167 million-per-year contract extension with Al-Nassr but has since backed away, with his current deal nearing expiration.
Despite scoring an incredible 99 goals for the club since his arrival in 2023, Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia has been marred by a lack of major trophies.
His only piece of silverware with Al-Nassr remains the Arab Club Champions Cup, which is not considered a major honour by European standards.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Al-Nassr will officially confirm Ronaldo’s departure in a press conference this week.
In preparation, the club is already exploring replacements, with talkSPORT naming Luis Diaz as their top transfer target.
Diaz, who played a key role in Liverpool’s campaign and scored 17 goals this season, remains under contract until 2027. However, Al-Nassr is expected to test the Reds’ resolve with a lucrative offer.
Although Diaz has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, he has also experienced periods of inconsistency.
Still, his flair and attacking prowess have earned him attention from clubs worldwide, and Al-Nassr sees him as a high-profile successor to Ronaldo.
As for Ronaldo, despite his age, he continues to chase personal milestones. He is determined to reach 1,000 career goals, with his current tally standing at 936.
Achieving that would likely require at least two more seasons at a competitive level.
There are also rumours that Ronaldo could move to Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr’s fierce rivals, who will participate in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, offering another platform for global recognition and potentially more chances at silverware.
