Saudi Super League Finds Ronaldo Replacements: Two Players Announced

The Saudi Pro League is reportedly considering Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah as potential ambassadors, following speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible departure.

Ronaldo, 41, became the league’s most high-profile player after joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 on a free transfer, following over two decades in Europe. In 2025, he signed a lucrative contract extension with Al-Nassr, keeping him at the club until next summer.

However, after publicly questioning the support of the club’s owners, PIF, during the recent transfer window, Ronaldo could activate a £43 million contract clause to leave at the end of the season.

A source from the Saudi league told The i Paper, as reported by Sport Bible: “Salah and Fernandes would be ideal choices, especially Salah, because he would draw in an Arab audience as a Muslim. Either of those newcomers, plus that young talent, would be really big for us.”

Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s 1-0 league win over Al-Riyadh on Monday and the 2-0 home victory against Al-Ittihad on Friday, fuelling doubts about his future with the club.

Salah and Fernandes are key figures for their respective teams. Salah, at Liverpool since 2017, has scored over 250 goals in all competitions, while Fernandes, United’s captain since January 2020, has netted more than 100 goals.