Al Nassr Gets Huge Blow After Cristiano Ronaldo’s Extension

Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to extend his stay at Al Nassr until 2027 was meant to be a landmark moment for Saudi football. A clear message that the league isn’t just a retirement home for aging superstars, but a serious, growing force in global football. The new deal, reportedly worth up to £500 million, was hailed as a win not just for Al Nassr but for the country’s wider sporting ambitions.

But behind the headlines and social media fanfare, things have not exactly gone according to plan. The club is already beginning to feel the strain of Ronaldo’s continued presence, not just on the balance sheet, but inside the locker room and back offices. What was supposed to be a symbol of ambition has quickly turned into a problem, and possibly a step back for the club’s long-term vision.

Ronaldo’s Control Creates A Storm Behind The Scenes

It is no secret that Ronaldo doesn’t just play the game; he often shapes the environment around it. In this case, reports suggest his extension came with serious demands. He wanted changes and not small ones. Within weeks of putting pen to paper, Head Coach Stefano Pioli parted ways with the club. Sources close to the situation hinted that Ronaldo had grown frustrated with tactical decisions and performances, pushing Al Nassr’s leadership to act. The message was that if CR7 was going to stay, the club had to bend to his terms.

But the shake-up didn’t stop with the dugout. Al Nassr’s CEO, Masjed Jaman Alsorour, was also shown the door, and things got ugly fast. Alsorour is now said to be preparing legal action after being abruptly dismissed, adding to the chaos already swirling around the club.

These changes haven’t exactly gone unnoticed. Al Nassr might still boast one of the biggest names in world football, but the atmosphere has grown tense. Reports of internal discontent and uncertainty about the club’s direction have begun to surface.

A Financial Gamble With Consequences

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract is massive. It is believed to be worth £178 million a year, putting him comfortably at the top of global earnings among footballers. When you consider bonuses, image rights, and commercial deals, the total package over two years edges close to £500 million. Naturally, that investment brings pressure. For a club like Al Nassr, ambitious but still operating in a relatively new competitive landscape, pouring so many resources into one player puts limitations on the club.

There are only eight non-Saudi players allowed in a squad under league rules, and when Ronaldo occupies one of those precious slots (and a significant portion of the wage budget), it forces the club to be very selective with the rest of their foreign talent.

Take Jhon Durán, for example. The Colombian striker only arrived at Al Nassr six months ago in a high-profile £70 million move from Aston Villa, where he had been rapidly growing into a prolific striker. Durán arrived with high hopes, having scored 20 goals in 78 appearances for Villa, including a memorable winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

But now? He’s on his way out. Sources say Fenerbahçe, led by none other than José Mourinho, is closing in on a deal to bring Durán in on loan. Behind the scenes, it’s becoming clear that some players are being squeezed out to make way for Ronaldo’s vision of how the team should operate. Durán’s desire to leave reportedly comes after he fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing alongside Ronaldo, but with how everything is shaping up, the 21-year-old is looking for stability elsewhere.

Return To The Premier League Could Cost Millions

Durán’s case also highlights another financial dilemma that comes with these blockbuster Saudi moves. The striker’s £320,000-a-week wages at Al Nassr were signed under tax-free terms, a massive benefit for players making the switch to the Middle East.

However, that tax exemption only applies if he stays for two full years under the terms of his contract. If Durán decides to return to England or anywhere else in Europe before that period is complete, he could face a massive UK tax. It’s the same problem Jordan Henderson faced when he left Al Ettifaq early to join Ajax. 

Final Thoughts

Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most marketable names in the game. His presence elevates Al Nassr’s brand, brings attention to the Saudi Pro League, and sells out stadiums. But if his influence begins to push out younger talent, destabilise staff, and make expensive reshuffles, the long-term cost might outweigh the short-term boost.

With high-profile departures, internal issues, and legal issues bubbling under the surface, Al Nassr now find themselves at a crossroads. They’ve tied themselves to a project built around one man who’s 40 years old, undoubtedly a legend, but the price of keeping him happy is starting to look steeper than anyone expected.