Cristiano Ronaldo ‘could refuse to play’ for Al-Nassr amid PIF and transfer frustration | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo could refuse to feature in Al-Nassr’s next Saudi Pro League match, with A Bola reporting he is unhappy with how the PIF is managing the club compared to rival teams.

Al-Nassr host local rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday, and it remains unclear whether the 40-year-old captain will be involved.

Earlier suggestions that he would be rested to manage workload have been dismissed by A Bola, which says any absence would not be for physical reasons or to prioritise Friday’s meeting with champions Al-Ittihad.

The forward is said to be frustrated by limited investment, with head coach Jorge Jesus yet to receive the backing he wants in the winter window. To date, 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem is the only addition.

Two senior Portuguese figures at the club, sporting director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo, are also said to have had their powers frozen this month following a board decision.

Ronaldo is understood to view the situation as detrimental compared to Al-Hilal, who have been busier in the market. It has been suggested the league leaders could move for Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, with no extension agreed there.

In mid-January, Jesus said Al-Nassr do not have the political power of Al-Hilal, prompting Al-Hilal to seek a suspension and lengthy ban. Ronaldo backed his manager’s stance. He joined in 2023 and has extended his deal to summer 2027, with the league keen to keep him content.

Source: Goal.com