- Ronaldo first linked to Al Nassr in November
- Medical at club mooted on Boxing Day
- Player has agreed $75m-a-year deal
WHAT’S HAPPENING? Following weeks of speculation, Ronaldo’s short-lived experience as a free agent has come to an end. After cutting ties with United back in November, CBS Sports are reporting that the Portugal international has agreed terms to join Saudi outfit Al-Nassr. The player is said to have put pen to paper on Friday afternoon, with the club set to formally announce his signing after their game against Al-Khaleej on Saturday.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The latest information – which was first reported by Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah – comes after the 37-year-old’s medical was initially mooted on Boxing Day. It is thought that the first part of these tests have already been taken, with the second stage set to take place next week. Despite a move to Al-Nassr first being reported at the end of November, CBS Sports have revealed that the delay in announcement comes after no other serious suitors emerged this week from Europe and beyond, thus marking the end of Ronaldo’s career at the top level.
AND WHAT’S MORE: While the 37-year-old’s dreams of playing Champions League football appear to have come to an end, the forward will be well remunerated and will able to wield a significant amount of power at his new club. Ronaldo is set to earn a whopping $75m (£61.1m) per year at Al-Nassr, while also moving into an ambassador role after his playing career ends in 2024.
WHAT NEXT? With Ronaldo’s transfer essentially a formality at this stage, all that remains is confirmation from both club and player.