Cristiano Ronaldo has been a central figure in the Saudi Pro League‘s growth, attracting several world-class players to join the league. However, the Portuguese star may now face an unexpected setback as a key teammate at Al Nassr could leave the club to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Saudi Arabian soccer experienced a significant boom between 2022 and 2023, with stars like Ronaldo and Neymar joining the league to help boost its development. However, that appeal appears to be fading in recent months, as several players have already left the region — and one of Al-Nassr’s stars could be next.
According to Sky Sports‘ Sacha Tavolieri, Olympique de Marseille have identified Aymeric Laporte as a priority target to reinforce their defense. The Ligue 1 club is reportedly in contact with Laporte’s representatives, exploring the possibility of bringing him back to Europe after his spells at Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City.
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has struggled with defensive stability this season, prompting the club to seek reinforcements. Currently sitting second in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain, OM are in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League — a key factor in their efforts to lure Laporte.
Laporte’s current deal with Al-Nassr runs until June 2026, but with just one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, the upcoming summer transfer window may be Al-Nassr’s last opportunity to secure a transfer fee before risking losing him as a free agent — or offering him another lucrative contract.
see also
Neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Lionel Messi: AI selects the best soccer player of the moment
Another trophyless season for Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo?
Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive goal-scoring record at Al-Nassr, the club’s performances have fallen short of expectations when it comes to competing for silverware.
Al-Nassr suffered an early exit in the King’s Cup round of 16 back in October and failed to keep pace in the Saudi Pro League title race against Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal. However, Ronaldo’s side recently advanced to the AFC Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Esteghlal FC.
With their next opponent yet to be determined, Al-Nassr’s focus will now shift entirely to the international competition — potentially their best chance at securing a trophy this season. Ronaldo has yet to win an official title since arriving in Saudi Arabia, making the AFC Champions League a crucial opportunity to end that drought.
