Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the face of Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League, drawing massive attention through shirt sales, billboards, and his unmatched global aura. However, the Riyadh-based club has reportedly begun laying down a succession plan, fueling speculations about the future of the Portuguese legend in Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, Al-Nassr is exploring a potential move for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as their top target once Ronaldo’s time with the club comes to a close. Fernandes, a proven playmaker and leader, fits the profile the Saudi side is searching for — a creative force who can also take on leadership responsibilities in the dressing room.
While Fernandes recently turned down a lucrative Saudi offer, preferring to remain in European football, sources suggest that Al-Nassr is willing to bide its time and revisit the opportunity in future transfer windows. His presence would ensure both on-field quality and continued global visibility for the Saudi Pro League, maintaining the momentum generated by Ronaldo’s arrival.
Bernardo Silva as Backup Option
If Bruno Fernandes proves unattainable, Al-Nassr’s plan B is Bernardo Silva of Manchester City. At 31, Silva offers versatility, elite ball retention, and the ability to operate both centrally and out wide. His technical skills and international profile make him a strong candidate to carry forward Al-Nassr’s ambition of sustaining star power and fan engagement. Saudi clubs reportedly view Silva as a slightly more reachable option compared to Fernandes, especially as his contract situation at City evolves.
Ronaldo’s Juventus Dispute
Amid these developments, Ronaldo is still entangled in a €20 million dispute with his former club Juventus, unrelated to his current deal in Saudi Arabia. While this does not affect his immediate future at Al-Nassr, it adds another layer of complexity around his career at this stage.
Future of Al-Nassr’s Project
For Al-Nassr, the roadmap is clear: maximize Ronaldo’s presence in the short term while preparing for long-term sustainability. The club’s new model in the Saudi Pro League emphasizes continuity of stardom, leadership, and global appeal. Whether it is Fernandes or Silva, the vision is to extend the Ronaldo-powered momentum and keep Portuguese footballing excellence at the heart of their project.