Cristiano Ronaldo has been sensationally linked with a move to Brazilian giants Palmeiras following the expiry of his current contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. (More Football News)
Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr has been up in the air for some time, with the Portuguese superstar yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. Despite being 40 years old, Ronaldo has netted 91 goals in 103 appearances for Al-Alami.
However, this season has been a major disappointment, with Al-Nassr failing to clinch any major title or qualify for the AFC Champions League. As a result, Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side Palmeiras have been linked with Ronaldo, ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Palmeiras has a projected revenue exceeding BRL 1 billion for 2025, and this will be boosted by their participation in the Club World Cup, which starts on 15 June with a total prize pool of USD 1 billion.
The tournament in the United States will be the perfect platform for Ronaldo to have one last hurrah, and Palmeiras is reportedly counting on that as an incentive to lure the superstar, especially with Lionel Messi taking part with Inter Miami.
With Ronaldo earning around EUR 200 million per year at Al-Nassr, it would take a significant financial package from Palmeiras to sign the former Real Madrid attacker, but it remains to be seen whether their interest will turn into a formal offer. But, Spanish paper Marca has indicated serious interest from the Brazilian side.
As of now, it all remains a rumour, and Renato Paiva, manager of Botafogo – another Brazilian club previously linked with Ronaldo – compared the signing to “Christmas”.
“If he came, you can't say no to a star like that,” Paivas said.
