Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pushing for significant control over Al-Nassr’s transfer strategy as he aims to reshape the squad and secure the club’s ambitions of retaining the Saudi Pro League title and winning the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time. Central to this aggressive recruitment drive is a personal pursuit of his Portugal compatriot and Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes.
According to reports from 365scores, Ronaldo has made firm demands regarding the club’s reinforcement plan. He has requested that the sporting director, Simao, and executive director, Semedo, be granted full and independent authority to execute transfer market operations, explicitly insisting on no administrative interference. This move is designed to ensure the squad is built effectively to capitalize on their success last season, which saw them lift their 11th Saudi Pro League title.
“Cristiano Ronaldo sets firm conditions to sustain the Al-Nassr project,” reported Eitan of 365scores. “The Portuguese demands total control over the transfer market, in parallel with an internal move to explore a high-impact incorporation from the Premier League.”
Ronaldo leads Fernandes chase
The “high-impact incorporation” Ronaldo is reportedly leading the chase for is Bruno Fernandes. Al-Nassr’s interest in the Manchester United star comes amidst reports that contract renewal talks between Fernandes and his current club have stalled, creating a potential opening for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Read also: Arsenal ready to sell Premier League winner to fund stunning Vinicius Jr transfer
“Cristiano heads an intense attempt to convince his compatriot of the Saudi project,” Eitan further stated in 365scores. “The strategy aims to take advantage of the stagnation in Bruno’s renewal talks with Manchester United and attract him to the Roshn Saudi League this summer.”
The prospect of reuniting Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or and Champions League winner, with Fernandes is seen as a highly attractive scenario to bolster Al-Nassr’s attack and strengthen their fight for silverware. The pair have previously enjoyed success together on the international stage, winning the Nations League titles with Portugal in 2019 and 2025.
Fernandes’s impact and Al-Nassr’s vision
Fernandes’s track record at Manchester United highlights the quality he would bring to Al-Nassr. Last season, the midfielder was a key figure for the Red Devils, contributing significantly to their attack:
- Scored nine goals in the Premier League
- Provided 21 assists in the Premier League
- Won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award on five occasions
Al-Nassr is reportedly inquiring about Fernandes’s economic demands as a preliminary step towards a potential negotiation. The club management’s broader intention is to foster a more organized work environment for the coaching staff and players, with a clear focus on competing for titles and elevating overall performance. Bringing in a player of Fernandes’s caliber would aim to reinforce the team’s offensive volume and add crucial playmaking hierarchy alongside Ronaldo.
Read also: Messi's golden World Cup gift revealed after Argentina heartbreak
Read also: Diego Maradona once declared who he thinks is the greatest British footballer
