Al-Nassr management set to sell club after $212 million debt, Cristiano Ronaldo among buyers: Reports

The management of Al-Nassr, owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, is seeking to sell the club, with Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly in line to acquire his stake.

As per Bloomberg, Al-Nassr have accumulated debt in excess of $212 million and the club's management is planning to pay it off through partnerships and sponsorships before the sale.

The PIF acquired 75 per cent of Al-Nassr in 2023 as part of the investment and privatization project. Earlier this year, the Saudi Ministry of Sports transferred the non-profit organization's remaining 25 per cent shares to PIF.

Al-Nassr have been under intense financial scrutiny due to the debt, which was mainly accumulated due to decisions taken in the 2025/26 season. According to reports, Al-Nassr have spent about $507 million on player contracts.

It has been claimed that an investment consortium led by the US firm Redbird Capital Partners, along with Saudi investors, is in negotiations with PIF over acquiring Al-Nassr. The investors reportedly asked Cristiano Ronaldo to be involved in the deal and he has seemingly agreed to join the alliance.

Redbird Capital Partners fully owns Serie A giants AC Milan and Ligue 1 club Toulouse. They also have a stake of over 10 per cent in Premier League club Liverpool.

Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause in his Al-Nassr contract that gives him priority in obtaining 20 per cent ownership of the club, if it is being offered for private investment.

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to action for Portugal next month

The Portuguese Football Federation have punished Cristiano Ronaldo with a €255 fine and 30-day suspension for walking out on the national team. The 41-year-old striker left the Portugal camp on September 30 after his infamous fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo refused to call time on his international career and could even return to play for Portugal when they face Denmark and Wales next month. The 30-day suspension has been active since September 30, and hence, he would have already finished serving it by the time Portugal face Denmark on November 14.

It remains to be seen if Jorge Jesus puts Ronaldo straight back into the Portugal line-up. The star forward has scored in each of his last two appearances for Al-Nassr and is expected to add further goals to his tally of 981 strikes.