Saudi Pro League Targets Two Premier League Players As Potential Cristiano Ronaldo Successors

The Saudi Pro League is exploring Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes as possible high profile ambassadors in the event Cristiano Ronaldo departs Al Nassr this summer.

With growing uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future, league officials are reportedly assessing alternative global stars to help maintain international attention and commercial momentum.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has been the most recognisable figure in Saudi football since joining Al Nassr on a free transfer in December 2022, following an illustrious European career across four major clubs. In 2025, he signed a lucrative contract extension with the Riyadh side, keeping him at the club until next summer.

However, tensions appear to be rising. Ronaldo has openly expressed frustration over what he perceives as insufficient backing from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi sovereign wealth fund that owns several top domestic clubs. His comments regarding the club’s limited transfer activity compared to rivals have reportedly fuelled speculation about a potential exit.

The five time Ballon d’Or winner has a £43 million clause in his current deal that could allow him to leave at the end of the season. If activated, the league is keen to replace his star power with equally marketable names.

A Saudi Pro League source told The i Paper, via Sport Bible: “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.”

Ronaldo has recently been absent from Al Nassr’s matchday squads, missing wins over Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, further intensifying questions about his standing at the club. Despite returning to training this week, manager Jorge Jesus has again left him out of the squad for Friday’s fixture.

Meanwhile, both Salah and Fernandes continue to thrive in England. Salah has scored more than 250 goals for Liverpool since joining in 2017, while Manchester United captain Fernandes has netted over 100 goals since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020.