Al-Nassr is drowning in debt, casting a big question mark over Ronaldo's future

Al-Nassr is facing a severe financial crisis with debts exceeding 800 million Saudi Riyals, which has stalled transfer plans and unexpectedly put Cristiano Ronaldo's future in the spotlight

Al-Nassr has fallen into a serious financial crisis as the debt is reportedly over 800 million Saudi Riyals (approximately 213 million USD), leaving the club virtually frozen in the summer 2026 transfer market and raising major concerns about superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's future.

According to Arriyadiyah, the Riyadh-based club has not yet completed any signings in the current transfer window, despite having reached an agreement to recruit Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca. Even renewing Abdulrahman Ghareeb's contract has been stalled due to financial difficulties.

Sources indicate that the massive debt stems from financial decisions made in the previous season. In response, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al-Nassr, has implemented a comprehensive restructuring plan to prevent the debt from growing further.

The first step is to limit the financial decision-making power of the current management. This means Al-Nassr will not be allowed to spend heavily in the transfer market unless it generates sufficient revenue from commercial and business activities.

At the same time, PIF has hired financial, legal, and commercial consulting firms to develop a roadmap for cutting costs, increasing revenue, and gradually lifting the club out of debt. Additionally, the fund is considering two investment offers for Al-Nassr, though the priority remains selling a minority stake rather than full ownership transfer.

The financial crisis has also put the future of Cristiano Ronaldo under the spotlight. Even at 41, the Portuguese superstar continues to maintain impressive form with 30 goals in 37 matches in the 2025/26 season, playing a key role in Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League title win. His contract still runs until the summer of 2027.

However, Ronaldo is said to be unhappy with the club's inability to strengthen the squad to remain competitive. He wants the management to give full transfer authority to the technical department and hopes Al-Nassr can sign top stars like his Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes.

Nevertheless, given the current financial situation, those ambitions are nearly impossible. If Al-Nassr cannot resolve the crisis soon and build a squad capable of competing, Ronaldo may consider his future before his contract ends.