Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly received a massive contract offer from a Saudi Arabian club. Al Nassr FC reportedly offered the 37-year-old striker a deal that could be worth more than $200 million per year. Ronaldo is now a free agent. Manchester United released him from his contract earlier this month. He therefore, he can choose any option he wants.
NBC Sports claims the offer is a two-and-a-half-year deal worth up to $517 million. If true, this would represent more than $17 million per month for Ronaldo to play in Saudi Arabia. Part of Al Nassr’s contract negotiations includes compensating Ronaldo for the Manchester United wages he missed. The star had around six months and $16 million remaining on his previous contract with United before termination.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also suggested that sponsorship deals make up a big part of the potential money. Image rights are also in negotiations. Players receive more money if they own their image rights while at a club.
Al Nassr has previously signed some big players to his roster. They currently have Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar, Brazilian Luiz Gustavo and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. However, the prospect of signing Ronaldo would obviously be a great move by the Saudi team.
Saudi club among the last places for Cristiano Ronaldo
There has been much speculation about Ronaldo’s next destination. Chelsea, Napoli and Bayern Munich have rumors circulating about a possible interest in signing the star. However, the massive European clubs seem hesitant to make a move for Ronaldo.
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn recently dismissed rumors of signing Ronaldo. “We all appreciate it, there is no discussion,” Kahn told Sky Sports Germany. “We all love Cristiano Ronaldo, but that is something that does not fit our idea.”
For now, Ronaldo is focused on Portugal and the World Cup. The Portuguese finish Group H with a game against South Korea on Friday. Ronaldo and his company have already qualified for the knockout phase of the tournament.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Mexsport Agency
