The same Newcastle that are not linked to Saudi Arabia in any way, shape or form
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract reportedly contains a clause that could be activated if Newcastle United finish in the top four.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr last week after failing to find a European club offering Champions League football that was prepared to gamble on him following his departure from Manchester United by mutual consent.
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The 37-year-old has insisted given up that pursuit – for now – and opted to move to the Middle East, where he has signed a lucrative deal estimated to be worth £179m a year.
His arrival has caused mass hysteria as fans queued in their thousands to buy shirts with Ronaldo’s name on the back and also chant his name, despite not playing for the club yet.
On Monday night Ronaldo landed in Saudi Arabia for the first time since his move was announced and should things go to plan, he could make his debut against Al Ta’ee on Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo @ his new home 🛬 #AlNassr #CristianoRonaldo pic.twitter.com/gRrpkghNYw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2023
He could already be at loggerheads with new manager Rudi Garcia though after the Al Nassr boss told reporters that he wanted to sign Lionel Messi before having to settle for the Portugal international.
However, according to Marca, Ronaldo’s contract contains a clause which could allow him to be playing Champions League football soon.
They claim that should Newcastle finish inside the top four – and therefore secure a Champions League place – Ronaldo will join Eddie Howe’s side on loan for the 2023-2024 campaign.
Newcastle are third in the table behind Arsenal and Manchester City as they continue their climb up the table following their big-money takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in October 2021.
Related links:
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA rating slashed after Al Nassr move
- Rio Ferdinand defends Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabia move
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The sad decline of a player that refused to listen to anyone but himself
