Saudi Pro League Targets Two Premier League Players As Potential Cristiano Ronaldo Successors
Saudi Pro League Considers Salah and Fernandes as Potential Replacements for Ronaldo
The Saudi Pro League is reportedly eyeing Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes as potential high-profile ambassadors should Cristiano Ronaldo depart from Al Nassr this summer. League officials have begun evaluating alternative global stars amid increasing uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future with the club.
Ronaldo, 40, has been a prominent figure in Saudi football since joining Al Nassr on a free transfer in December 2022, following a distinguished career in Europe with four major clubs. He extended his contract with the Riyadh-based team in 2025, which currently keeps him with the club until next summer.
However, tensions have reportedly escalated, as Ronaldo has voiced concerns over what he describes as inadequate support from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns several leading clubs in the league. His criticisms regarding the limited transfer activity in comparison to competitors have sparked speculation about a potential exit.
Ronaldo’s contract includes a £43 million release clause that could enable him to leave at the end of the season. Should this clause be exercised, the league is eager to fill the gap left by his departure with equally marketable players.
A source within the Saudi Pro League indicated that Salah and Fernandes would be ideal candidates for the role. “Salah would draw in an Arab audience as a Muslim,” the source noted. “Either of those newcomers, plus some young talent, would be significant for us.”
Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s matchday rosters has heightened questions about his future with the team, as he missed recent wins against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad. Although he returned to training this week, manager Jorge Jesus again excluded him from the squad for Friday’s match.
In contrast, both Salah and Fernandes continue to excel in English football. Salah has netted over 250 goals for Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, while Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, has scored more than 100 goals since joining the team in 2020.
