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via Imago
SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1034734690h.jpg)
via Imago
SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 MD7 Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr SFC gestures during their Match Day 7 of the SAFF Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-24 against Al-Ahli Saudi FC at the King Saud University Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh King Fahd International Stadium Kingdom of Saudi Arabia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPNxUK Copyright: xStrignerx 2023.09.22_PSI03215_SRA_0000504
The season has not panned out as Luis Castro & Co. would have hoped. Despite playing at a high level, the Knights of Najd have endured a trophyless season so far. As such, there is a feeling that the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side can improve their squad ahead of next season. Moreover, some prominent stars have also signaled an end to their Saudi adventure, which forced the club to venture into the transfer market. However, the Saudi side has been hit with an unexpected roadblock in their transfer activity!
As per reports on X, Al Nassr had to disengage from negotiations with foreign transfer targets. This is because the recruitment committee did not inform the transfer team about the budget for the window. This is a disappointment for the Al Nassr faithful, especially considering that Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. were linked with the likes of Casemiro and Kevin De Bruyne previously.
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عاجل – الشرق الرياضة :
نادي #النصر أوقف المفاوضات مع اللاعبين الأجانب لعدم إبلاغهم بالميزانية من قبل لجنة الاستقطاب. pic.twitter.com/QssrQn0ujX
— يعقوب (@X99i3) May 29, 2024
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Also, Al Nassr will soon have to dip into the market to sort out a replacement for Aymeric Laporte. The former Manchester City man is among the world’s best defenders. However, he has expressed a desire to return to Europe recently. As a result, there were rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo’s side was interested in Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez. Hence, the sooner the negotiations restart, the better it is for Luis Castro’s side.
Budget isn’t expected to be a major issue for Al Nassr. Their spending last year was approximately $149 million, the third-highest in the league! Hence, they have funds to make major signings and also for key contract renewals.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in talks for a contract extension
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Securing Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is as important as getting a new player on board for Al Nassr. The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract expires in 2025 and it was expected that a decision would be made soon. According to recent reports, CR7 might be set to receive a 1-year contract extension. This would keep him at the club until 2026, when he would be 41. It is also believed that the idea appealed to the Portuguese star.
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via Reuters
REUTERS/Yazeed Aldhawaihi
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The reason is because of the 2026 World Cup. Playing at a high level with Al Nassr would keep Cristiano Ronaldo in rhythm and fitness for the coveted tournament. With the strength and depth of Portugal, the side can go all the way! For Cristiano Ronaldo, the World Cup is the only missing trophy from his cabinet. Conquering his final frontier would enhance his legacy and leave nothing to choose between him and Messi.
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