Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr successor picked amid €20m pay dispute

Robin Bairner

• 29 Sept 2025 11:00 BST
• 3 min read

News

Cristiano Ronaldo may be under contract at Al-Nassr for the next two years, but the Saudi Pro League side are already looking for the next big superstar to replace him.

Ronaldo may be 40, but he still cuts a vital figure for his club side. The Al-Nassr captain has four goals in as many Pre League matches, with the Riyadh side boasting a perfect record so far this term.

While there is no clear end in sight for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, there is an acceptance that he cannot continue forever, and his side are exploring possibilities for another leading star to step into his boots.

The Pro League outfit are specifically targeting Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, TalkSport reports.

The 31-year-old has been earmarked because Saudi officials want to capitalise on the Portuguese fanbase that they have built up around Ronaldo, who is said to be “unlikely” to sign another deal with Al-Nassr.

Bruno has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, having turned down the possibility of a €800,000-per-week deal with Al-Hilal in the summer.

Current ETV

Bruno Fernandes 

AM, M (C)

Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes 

AM, M (C)

Man Utd

€47.3M

ETV Range

€42.6M - €52M

View full profile

Fernandes, who missed a penalty as Man Utd lost 3-1 to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, has not closed the door on the possibility of a move to the Pro League.

Should Al-Nassr come up short for Bruno, they could set their sights across Manchester to sign Bernardo Silva. He would be a cheaper option, with his contract liable to be worth around €600,000 per week.

Ronaldo’s ongoing contract dispute

While Al-Nassr fight for a superstar to replace Ronaldo, the player is currently embroiled in a courtroom battle with Juventus over unpaid wages.

The dispute dates back to the Covid-19 crisis, with the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend claiming that he is owed up to €20m by the Serie A club.

A resolution in the case is expected in January.

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