Transfer Centre

Saudi Arabian clubs 'still want Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 September 2022

Saudi Arabian clubs 'still want Cristiano Ronaldo'

A number of Saudi Arabian clubs would still like to sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, according to the president of the nation's Football Association.

The president of the Saudi Arabian football association has suggested that clubs from that country could still try to sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

In July, the Portuguese superstar allegedly told super-agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club, one which would be participating in the Champions League during 2022-23.

The 37-year-old would ultimately remain at Old Trafford, a combination of a lack of teams showing a genuine interest and United being reluctant to part ways with the club legend.

However, speculation regarding Ronaldo's future will persist as long as he is at the Theatre Of Dreams and remains out of Erik ten Hag's starting lineup.

As it stands, Ronaldo has made just one start and five substitute outings in the Premier League, with a second start coming in the Europa League last week.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United on September 8, 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo's future will likely be in the spotlight after the World Cup, which takes place at the end of the year, and it appears that more lucrative opportunities could be on the table.

Although several teams from Saudi Arabia were linked with the veteran earlier this summer, a transfer to the Middle East at that stage never seemed to be a realistic option.

Nevertheless, FA president Yasser Al-Misehal has acknowledged that he would like Ronaldo spend the final years of his career in the nation's top flight.

Speaking to The Athletic, Al-Misehal said: "We would love to see a player like Cristiano Ronaldo playing in the Saudi League.

A downbeat Cristiano Ronaldo on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

"It would bring a huge positive feedback and it would be big news for everyone. I'm sure everyone knows the achievements and records of Cristiano Ronaldo, but also as a player who is a great role model.

"I think, 'Why not?'. I'm sure it would be a very expensive deal, of course, but we can see our clubs getting higher revenues in the past couple of years.

"We have already see some big players who used to play in the Premier League come to the Saudi League. I like Cristiano Ronaldo as a player and I would like to see him play in Saudi Arabia."

While Ronaldo's contract at United is currently due to expire at the end of the season, United possess the option to extend his terms by a further 12 months.