Cristiano Ronaldo is considering leaving Al-Nassr, according to the Saudi newspaper Okaz, which confirmed that the Portuguese star may not renew his contract with the Knights of Najd unless four conditions are met. These conditions seem somewhat harsh.
The Portuguese star’s contract with Al-Nassr expires at the end of the current season, and since last January, it has been reported that an agreement has been reached between him and the Saudi club to renew. However, recent negative results threaten the Portuguese’s stay at Al-Awal Park Stadium.
Al-Nassr lost the AFC Champions League title after being eliminated in the semi-finals by Japan’s Kawasaki. They effectively lost the chance to participate in the next edition of the competition after losing to Al-Ittihad and falling to fourth place with four rounds remaining in the Saudi League.
Ronaldo demands Al-Nassr dismiss Stefano Pioli
According to Okaz, Ronaldo’s first condition for continuing with Al-Nassr is the dismissal of coach Stefano Pioli and the appointment of another world-class coach.
The 40-year-old’s relationship with the Italian coach has deteriorated recently, despite being more than excellent at the start of the season. Ronaldo believes that a technical change is necessary for Al-Nassr to return to title contention.
Pioli took over as coach of Al-Nassr, succeeding Luis Castro last September, but, like his predecessor, he has failed to win any titles so far with the club.
Ronaldo demands the departure of several players from Al-Nassr
Ronaldo believes that Al-Nassr needs a revolution in the team’s roster, by dispensing with a large number of local Saudi players, as well as professional players.
Ronaldo wants Al-Nassr to free up a budget of 300 million riyals for signings by releasing several local players. He has also identified four foreign players he wants outside of the Parc des Princes.
He is talking about central defender Aymeric Laporte and the Brazilian trio of goalkeeper Bento, Angelo Gabriel, and Wesley Gasuva.
At the same time, Ronaldo believes it is necessary to keep Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, John Duran, and Otavio as the core of the new team.
Real Madrid Legend Victim of Ronaldo’s Latest Conditions
Finally, Ronaldo demanded that Al-Nassr’s management dismiss sporting director Fernando Hierro, who only assumed his position in June 2024.
The Portuguese player is demanding that the management hire another world-class sporting director who can make a qualitative leap in signings and building the squad.
For Ronaldo, fulfilling the four conditions is essential for him to renew his contract with Al-Nassr. Otherwise, he will start looking for another club and a new experience that will provide him with the means to compete for various titles.
