Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in the Saudi Pro League could be coming to an end in the summer after a huge fallout at Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old is currently on strike and refusing to play, which could lead to a transfer in June.
The Portuguese superstar has been left dissatisfied with the way his club have been managed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Part of his anger stems from how Al-Nassr are being handled in comparison to rivals Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo has twice gone on strike prior to his ongoing protest against Al-Nassr’s ownership.
Ronaldo was reportedly against his former teammate Karim Benzema moving from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, as it could make the competition unfair. However, he didn’t get his way and the Frenchman’s transfer still went through.
According to Portuguese publication Record, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is ready to call time on his Saudi Arabia adventure when the summer transfer window opens. After refusing to play in the 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday, CR7’s transfer release clause has now emerged.
Potential suitors, with a return to Europe or an MLS move looking like his most likely destinations, would need to fork out £43 million to trigger the clause. For a nearly 41-year-old player, that’s serious money.
The 20 highest earners in the Saudi Pro League have been revealed, with one earning over £3m-a-week
The clause was inserted into the Manchester United legend’s deal when he put pen to paper on a two-year extension at the start of the season. That contract cemented Ronaldo’s place as the highest-paid footballer in the world even further, as he now rakes in £194 million each year.
That could pose another stumbling block in any possible move, as there aren’t many clubs around that can afford that sort of salary, never mind for an ageing player. Nonetheless, Ronaldo is expected to make a decision in his own best interests as he looks to hit the 1,000-goal mark.
MLS Move Could See Ronaldo Meet Lionel Messi Again
Sam Navarro | Imagn Images
One of the most likely destinations for the ex-Real Madrid star is the MLS. A renewal of his long-standing rivalry with fellow GOAT candidate Lionel Messi would certainly increase interest in the American division.
Ronaldo, however, has previously spoken negatively about the MLS, stating that the Saudi Pro League was far superior. In early 2025, the Portugal international responded to criticism of the league he was playing in by saying:
“Of course, of course [MLS is weaker]. But because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it a bit more.
“But I also know that the people who talk don’t know what they’re saying. Only those who play here, only those who are in the league, know. You have to give it the credit it deserves.”
Liverpool have just submitted a bid worth €100m (£87m) to RB Leipzig to sign top winger target Yan Diomande, although it has been rejected according to Fabrizio Romano.
It has been a busy few weeks for Liverpool since the Premier League season ended with a fifth-placed finish, as club chiefs subsequently decided to dismiss Arne Slot and replace him with outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Having finished 25 points adrift of champions Arsenal as they looked to defend the Premier League title they won in Slot’s maiden campaign in charge, there is a determination to ensure the 2026-27 season is a more memorable one.
With pressure to perform well in the Premier League alongside the Champions League, the Spanish manager needs a stronger squad to work with, especially given Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all departed this summer.
One of the main focuses has been on bringing in new players in wide positions, with the club already confirming the arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna after they activated his £34m release clause.
Now, the Reds are working on a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Diomande, although they have seen their initial bid rejected by the Bundesliga club.
Romano: Liverpool See Diomande Bid Rejected
REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
David Ornstein was reporting on Thursday evening that Liverpool had informed Leipzig that they were willing to pay a package worth €100m to sign the exciting 19-year-old, but now Romano has gone one step further.
The Italian journalist claims that the German club have rejected an offer worth that amount from the Reds, as they try and keep hold of their prized asset.
Tottenham look to step up their efforts to land a Premier League midfielder Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to land. Spurs are in the midst of a big recruitment drive as they look to go from bottom half-dwellers to European qualification candidates in the space of just a few months.
De Zerbi is being firmly backed by the Spurs board as they look to live up to their promises of changes to what has been a failing approach despite a recent Europa League title. It has become clear that this squad is in need of an overhaul, and it looks as though De Zerbi will get the opportunity to lead it.
A number of targets have been linked with Spurs as they look to add to the captures of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, and it seems one of the more glamorous names may actually be on the table.
Romano’s Tonali to Tottenham transfer update
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali in recent days, and it seems they have a credible chance of landing the ‘monster’ Italian due to a De Zerbi factor.
“Yeah, I see a lot of excitement on social media on this one from Tottenham fans, of course. I maintain my update, my news,” Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube channel. “So, first of all, Tottenham are in conversations with Sandro Tonali’s camp. Second, Sandro Tonali wants to go to Tottenham, and so he’s keen on the move, and I don’t think it’s going to be any problem with the player financially or in terms of contract. Also, because the connection with the De Zerbi is very clear, as I was mentioning in a video yesterday, they are both from Brescia, so the connection is very, very good. And also important to mention on this one about Sandro Tonali, soon Tottenham will reach out to Newcastle to start conversations. Then the price is going to be the point.
“Let’s see, I think this is going to be around €100million (£86.6m), maybe something more than the initial request. And then let’s see the conversation, but De Zerbi is pushing, and so let’s wait for the club-to-club negotiations. But Tottenham are interested.”
Tonali the next Pirlo
Spurs are looking for a midfielder who can control the ball and the tempo of the game, and according to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, Tonali has those metronomic qualities. He said back in 2024: “When I first saw Sandro play, there were definite links to Pirlo, without a doubt – and it’s not just the hair. There’s more to it than that. He’s definitely got those similar qualities in terms of build and style, but I think the thing that sets Sandro apart from anyone else was he could do all of those things technically and tactically, and looked really good, but it’s his athleticism as well, his ability to run.
“We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team. Yes, there are the obvious ones [comparisons] in terms of his technique and his passing and everything else, but I think that’s the thing that sets him apart.”
Liverpool chiefs are already working on the club’s next signing after agreeing a shock deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The majority of Liverpool transfer links so far this summer have included wingers or midfielders, and they completed a transfer hijack out of everywhere to bring in one of the former, in Munoz.
Newcastle United thought they were about to land the £34m Spain international, but the Reds have swooped in to agree a deal instead, with the player set to sign a six-year contract at Anfield after completing a medical.
The 22-year-old becomes the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era on Merseyside, but he is unlikely to be the last as Liverpool target another winger, this time to play on the right, with Munoz preferring to feature from the left.
In addition, one report claims that the Reds will also target a new central midfielder, right-back and potentially even a centre-back, even though Jeremy Jacquet will officially arrive at Anfield this summer after they agreed a deal for the French defender in the January transfer window.
Liverpool have squad gaps to fill, following the exits of Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate, who has just been announced as a new Real Madrid player.
Romano: Liverpool ‘Working’ on Next Signing
via Reuters
Liverpool may have agreed a deal to sign Munoz, but they are still looking to recruit their long-term Salah replacement on the right, meaning another winger is set to arrive at Anfield.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leizpig forward Yan Diomande in recent weeks, with the 19-year-old exploding onto the World Cup scene with a man-of-the-match performance in the Ivory Coast’s win against Ecuador in their opening group game.
The Merseysiders are also admirers of Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, who could be allowed to leave if the Champions League holders bring in a new attacker, with the Ligue 1 giants incidentally also keen on Diomande.
Issuing an update on his YouTube channel on Liverpool’s transfer business after their deal to sign Munoz out of nowhere, Romano said:
“It’s important to mention, many Liverpool fans are asking me after I dropped this bomba on my channels, does this mean that the deal is closing doors to signing another winger?
“My answer is no. My answer is that in the plan of Richard Hughes, they are doing an excellent job, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, in planning their signings and keeping things a secret until we have the exclusive bomb, like today, but they are working behind the scenes also to add at least one more winger to the squad.”
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Which Winger Will Liverpool Sign?
Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters
Unless Liverpool pull another surprise rabbit out of the hat, then it does appear to be a two-horse race between Diomande and Barcola as the club’s next big winger signing.
Club chiefs believe that he wants to move to Anfield, despite interest from PSG, but the major hurdle is Leipzig’s asking price, with the Bundesliga outfit demanding in excess of £100m for the teenager.
Meanwhile, as contract negotiations between PSG and Barcola continue to stall, the likelihood of him leaving the Parc des Princes this summer rises.
Arsenal are also keen on the France international, who scored in his nation’s opening win against Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool appear to be edging towards Diomande, but if they are unable to agree a deal, then don’t be surprised if they pivot to Barcola instead.
