Saudi club Al-Nassr reveal plan to sign Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-teammate to sweeten deal

Al-Nassr want to convince Sergio Ramos to join them as they prepare to announce the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar is looking for a new employer after his contract at Manchester United was terminated following his explosive tell-all interview with Piers Morgan. A move to Saudi Arabia was tabled back in the summer, but subsequently rejected.

Now, with minimal interest from clubs in Europe, Ronaldo seems set to move to the Middle East, where he is likely to see out his career on a mammoth deal worth over £60m annually.

Al-Nassr are now hoping they can reunite Ronaldo with his former Real Madrid team-mate Ramos, who has been at PSG for the last 18 months. The two individuals enjoyed great success alongside each other whilst at the Bernabeu and Marca understands they want to bring the pair to Saudi Arabia.

The club’s president and sporting director are planning for a trip to Madrid, which they hope will accelerate negotiations with Ramos. The Spaniard has started in eight of PSG’s 16 Ligue 1 games thus far, but at the age of 36 may welcome a major pay day late in his career.

Only last year, though, Ramos stated his desire to operate at the top for several more years as he told Prime Video : “I would like to play between four and five more years at the top level and then live another experience. I have two years at PSG, we will try to do three and then we’ll see. As long as my physical condition holds up, I think I can keep my mind focused.

“I prefer to play in the best team in the world than to be the best player because in the end football is a collective sport and it is about winning as a team. Before being the best in the world, I prefer to play world championships, Champions League. And for everything, you always need the work of the team.”

Al-Nassr’s immediate plan is to finalise a deal for Ronaldo, that could see him earn up to £173m-a-year once endorsements and other revenue streams are considered. They are hoping to make an announcement on January 1.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina, Champions League winner Luiz Gustavo and Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar are all currently on Al-Nassr’s books as they look to wrestle back their domestic title, which they last won in 2019, although they have picked up silverware since.

Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has talked up a move for Ronaldo. He told Sky Sports recently: “Who wouldn’t want him to play in their league? He’s a role model to lots of players – him and Messi. I’d love to see them both play in the Saudi league because that will reinforce the programmes we are doing, it will show the league is strong.”