Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr is as soon as once more up within the air. After back-to-back disappointments within the Saudi Professional League and falling brief in 11 title pursuits since arriving within the Center East, hypothesis is mounting over the Portuguese star’s subsequent transfer. Whereas Brazilian membership Botafogo is reportedly getting ready a daring supply to lure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, a shocking candidate has emerged from Spain: UD Almería.
The Segunda División facet, at present combating for promotion, is now owned by Mohamed Al-Khereiji — a businessman with robust ties to Ronaldo and a key determine in his authentic transfer to Saudi Arabia. In keeping with experiences from MARCA, Al-Khereiji’s relationship with Ronaldo is each private and strategic. Now, he could also be positioning Almería as a future funding and possession alternative for the veteran ahead.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 subsequent 12 months, has expressed curiosity in a post-playing profession in membership possession.
“If I’ve the possibility to be an proprietor, why would I accept being a director or CEO?” he beforehand said. “It’s my dream, and I’m sure I’ll obtain it — not simply proudly owning one membership, however a number of.”
Whereas Almería is just not amongst Europe’s elite, the undertaking is formidable. The membership has had a turbulent decade, together with stints below Center Japanese possession, and was relegated final season regardless of having one of many largest budgets in Spain’s second tier. As of now, they sit sixth with two video games remaining, in playoff place for promotion to La Liga.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has historical past with Almería, too. Throughout his time at Actual Madrid, he performed seven matches towards the Andalusian facet, scoring seven targets and including 5 assists. One standout efficiency got here in 2011, when he notched two targets and 4 assists in an 8–1 thrashing. Satirically, the membership he as soon as tormented may quickly be tied to his subsequent chapter — not as a participant, however as an investor.
Though a contract renewal with Al-Nassr appeared seemingly not way back, the disappointing outcomes could have opened the door for a change of surroundings. Botafogo and Almería now seem like the main choices — one providing a short-term highlight on the world stage, the opposite a longer-term undertaking in Spanish soccer and a bridge into Ronaldo’s post-retirement ambitions.
As the top of the season nears, the world waits to see what path CR7 chooses — again to Spain, a Brazilian journey, or yet one more experience in Saudi Arabia.
