Cristiano Ronaldo left Europe for Saudi side Al Nassr after his contract termination with former side Manchester United. The move came as a shock to many since the 37-year-old had expressed his desire to stay in Europe for another one or two seasons in his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which also became the reason for his sacking by United.
However, according to a revealing report by MARCA, Ronaldo hasn’t closed the doors completely on a return to Europe. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had made his wish clear of wanting to continue in the Champions League after United missed out on the competition this season, and even pursued a move away from the club in the summer. His wish could soon be granted now, after completing move to Al Nassr, claims MARCA.
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Champions League with Newcastle
Dubbed as the ‘Mr. Champions League’, Cristiano Ronaldo has left a legacy in the elite European competition matched by none. He has won a record five Champions League titles, is the all-time top scorer with 141 goals, all-time appearance maker with 187 games featured in and the highest assist provider as well with 42. With such otherworldly stats, it was sad to see the legend of the game depart Europe for a new experience.
However, that situation could soon undergo a change after MARCA has revealed a new clause in Ronaldo’s Al Nassr deal. The Portugal captain has inked a humongous €200 million per-year deal at the Saudi side for the next two-and-a-half-years. The total package amounts up to a staggering €500 million including the image rights and other commercial deals.
But there’s one more exciting clause inserted in Ronaldo’s deal. According to MARCA, the former Real Madrid forward can switch sides with Newcastle United on loan, if the club achieves Champions League football by finishing in the Premier League top-four this season. The Magpies’ connection with Al Nassr is established through their owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who completed a €340 million takeover of the English club in October 2021.
Newcastle have a real chance of qualifying for the top-tier European competition as they currently sit third in the Premier League table. They are two points ahead of fourth-place Manchester United and two adrift of second-placed Manchester City. Eddie Howe has done a brilliant job since being appointed in charge of the club after the Saudi takeover, and has been backed with massive investment as well.
Moreover, with the takeover making Newcastle the richest club in the world, they can easily afford Cristiano Ronaldo’s wages for a loan deal. Furthermore, the Magpies lack players with Champions League pedigree in their squad, and Ronaldo’s potential loan incoming could provide them a cutting edge to go as far as possible in the competition. However, all that depends on Newcastle’s top-four challenge this season, which at the moment looks pretty good.