Saudi In ‘Difficult’ Talk To Keep Ronaldo Next Season: Report (image-instagram/cristiano)

Saudi Arabian officials are in “difficult” talk to keep the Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in the club following his cryptic post on social media announcing his departure from Al Nassr club, a source with knowledge of the negotiation said to AFP on Thursday.

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

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The source had added that the first option given to the 40-year-old was Al Hilal club and that joining the club would mean an entry to the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli.

A special transfer window opens from June 1–10 to allow the 32 teams involved in the Club World Cup to sign players.

The Portuguese forward, who had joined the club in 2022 from Manchester United, will have his contract expire at the end of next month. “Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two and a half years. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the source added.

“This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all,” Ronaldo had written on Instagram. The post came following a 3–2 loss to Al Fateh in the final match of Al Nassr’s season.

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There have been rumours regarding him joining a Brazilian side ahead of the Club World Cup. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are the four sides from the nation in the expanded 32-team event. If the contract is signed with Palmeiras, football fans will be able to witness the clash of titans, as Lionel Messi’s club Inter Miami will play against the Brazilian side in Group A matches.