Cristiano Ronaldo could now leave Al-Nassr after missing the club's past two fixtures amid growing frustration with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward is understood to be deeply unhappy with the PIF's approach to transfer business, which he believes has consistently favoured rival Saudi Pro League sides over his own club.
His absence from Friday's encounter with Al-Ittihad has fuelled intense speculation about his future in the kingdom.
The multiple Ballon d'Or winner arrived in Saudi Arabia in December 2022 and has served as the league's most prominent figure, but his relationship with those running the competition appears to have deteriorated significantly.
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Saudi officials have been left surprised by Ronaldo's actions, according to the i Paper, and remain resolute in their position that no individual player stands above the league's broader ambitions.
Al-Nassr are prepared to allow the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to depart should he seek an exit this summer.
A release clause worth £43million is set to become active once the current campaign concludes, providing a clear pathway for any interested parties.
Cristiano Ronaldo could now leave Al-Nassr after missing the club's past two fixtures amid growing frustration with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
|GETTY
The Saudi Pro League appears ready to sever its ties with the veteran attacker, with officials willing to move forward without the player who has been their most marketable asset for over three years.
League insiders are already considering high-profile alternatives should Ronaldo's departure materialise this summer.
A source close to the Saudi Pro League told the i Paper: "With other big names leaving, we will look at lots of other marquee names in the summer.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been strutting his stuff for Al-Nassr since joining from Manchester United in January 2023
| GETTY"Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes would be the perfect picks. Salah especially, given he would attract an Arab audience as a Muslim.
"Either of those coming in, along with that younger talent, would be huge for us. And really soften any Ronaldo blow."
The Liverpool forward and Manchester United midfielder have emerged as the leading candidates to become the league's next flagship signing, with officials keen to recruit a fresh face capable of maintaining global interest in Saudi football.
A return to Sporting Lisbon, where Ronaldo began his professional career, has emerged as a potential option for the Portuguese icon seeking a route back to European football.
They are said to be 'leading the race' for the veteran at the current moment in time.
However, questions remain over whether the Lisbon club could afford the £43m fee that would be required to trigger his release clause.
Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as a transfer target for Sporting Lisbon amid uncertainty over his Al-Nassr future
|GETTY
Manchester United have shown no appetite for bringing the forward back to Old Trafford for a third stint.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr demonstrated they can cope without their star man on Friday evening, securing a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane found the net, with Angelo Gabriel also on target.
How the Ronaldo situation plays out, amid rising frustrations from both sides, remains to be seen.