Saudi Pro League officials have identified Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah as the primary candidates to spearhead the division’s global branding should Cristiano Ronaldo depart. This strategic shift comes amid intensifying rumors regarding the future of the Portuguese icon within the Kingdom.
Ronaldo, currently 41, remains the preeminent figure in Saudi football since his high-profile arrival in December 2022. That free transfer concluded a storied two-decade stint across four elite European clubs. Although the veteran forward secured a lucrative extension with Al-Nassr in 2025 that runs through the upcoming summer, his tenure now appears uncertain.
Recent friction has emerged following Ronaldo’s public critiques of the Public Investment Fund. He suggested that the league owners failed to provide Al-Nassr with the same level of recruitment support as rival clubs during the most recent transfer window. These tensions coincide with a specific £43 million release clause in his current deal which triggers at the conclusion of this season.
If Ronaldo exercises his exit option, league representatives view the Premier League duo as the natural successors to his mantle. A Saudi league insider shared insights with The i Paper, as documented by Sport Bible, regarding the potential transition:
“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.”
Speculation regarding Ronaldo’s standing intensified after he missed Al-Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al-Riyadh and the subsequent 2-0 victory against Al-Ittihad. His absence from these consecutive league fixtures has fueled doubts about his long-term role in the squad.
Both prospective targets maintain elite status in England. Mohamed Salah has established himself as a Liverpool legend since 2017, surpassing the 250-goal mark across all competitions. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has led Manchester United as captain since his arrival in early 2020, contributing over 100 goals to the club’s tally.
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