Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in line to receive a £16m compensation package alongside his huge salary should he complete a move to Al-Nassr.
The former Manchester United forward has been linked with the Saudi giants over the last few days and it is suggested that a move is ‘close to being agreed’. Negotiations have been ongoing with his representative Jorge Mendes since the summer following his initial request to leave United.
Ronaldo is reportedly set to receive a huge salary in Saudi Arabia. That will see him be paid £173m per year, whilst he will apparently pen a two-and-a-half year deal.
Alongside his considerable pay packet, the Portuguese is also apparently in line to bank an eye-watering £16m. According to ESPN, his potential employers are apparently ‘willing’ to compensate him on the amount he lost out on by ending his contract at Old Trafford six months early.
The deal with Al-Nassr would see Ronaldo extend his playing career into his 40s, although it would see an end to the striker’s time at the top level of European football. For the meantime though, Ronaldo is still attempting to play a role for his country on the world stage.
Portugal booked their place in the last-16 of the World Cup with victory over Uruguay. Ronaldo thought he had managed to get on the scoresheet in the game from Bruno Fernandes ’ cross but Adidas technology confirmed that he had not managed to get a touch - his former United teammate instead getting credited with the goal.
Is Al-Nassr a good move for Ronaldo? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Following his assignments in Qatar, Ronaldo could potentially turn to action for future employers Al-Nassr. The Saudi side are currently on a break for the World Cup, with their next fixture being on December 16 - two days before the final of the tournament.
Ronaldo issued a short statement after departing Old Trafford earlier this month. It read: "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.
"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."
Whilst a move to Saudi Arabia seems the most likely outcome for Ronaldo over the coming months, there was reported interest from Europe in the summer. Atletico Madrid and Chelsea were linked with a swoop for the Portuguese’s signature.
Bayern Munich were also mentioned as a potential destination but the German side’s CEO Oliver Kahn has already dismissed the prospect of a move. He said: "We have already dealt with this.
"We have a clear idea, a clear philosophy of how our squad should be put together. We all appreciate him, there's no discussion. We all love Cristiano Ronaldo, but that's something that doesn't fit into our idea."
