Cristiano Ronaldo set pulses racing in boardrooms across the globe on Monday as he told his social media followers that 'this chapter is over,' appearing to hint at an exit from Al-Nassr.
The cryptic post on his X account came after Al-Nassr finished third in the Saudi league. "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all," Ronaldo wrote.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Ronaldo's departure will be confirmed imminently in a press conference held by the club on Thursday.
The 40-year-old forward is said to have been close to agreeing terms on a new £167million-per-year deal with Al-Nassr but has baulked at committing his future, with his contract expiring.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to announce his departure from Al-Nassr today
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The forward's next steps remain unclear, but speculation suggests he could land in the MLS, Brazil, Turkey, at Sporting Lisbon, or elsewhere in Saudi Arabia.
There is speculation that he could join Al-Nassr's Saudi rivals Al-Hilal, who will be participating in the revamped Club World Cup.
Last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent tongues wagging when he claimed that Ronaldo could play at the revamped competition this summer despite Al-Nassr not qualifying.
"Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup," Infantino said. "There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup who knows, who knows."
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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 99 goals during his time at Al-Nassr
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Marca recently reported that an unnamed Brazilian club had tabled an offer to Ronaldo.
Botafogo are one of four Brazilian sides to have qualified for the Club World Cup, and their coach Renato Paiva appeared open to the swoop.
He told reporters: "Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that. I don't know anything - I'm just answering the question.
"But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good."
Meanwhile, talkSPORT claims that Al-Nassr wish to cast their net into the Premier League and fish out Liverpool's Luis Diaz as Ronaldo's replacement. The winger, whose contract expires in 2027, is reported to be their top target.
Diaz has blown hot and cold in his Premier League-winning season, ultimately scoring 17 goals but enduring long dry spells.
For all of his personal success in the Middle East, Ronaldo's existence there has lacked one fundamental marker: silverware. The Arab Club Champions Cup does not count as a major trophy.
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This, it seems, is behind his decision to depart and pursue a new challenge.
Ronaldo has banged in 99 goals for Al-Nassr since 2023, demonstrating his continued prowess in front of goal.
The Portuguese forward is determined to reach 1,000 senior career goals, a total which may still require two or three seasons of regular scoring to smash as he currently has 936.
Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to win a major trophy during his spell at Al-Nassr
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His goal-scoring record at Al-Nassr has been impressive despite the lack of major trophies during his time in Saudi Arabia.
Sporting Lisbon could swoop for Ronaldo as a replacement for Viktor Gyokeres, who is wanted by Arsenal.
Whether Ronaldo would head back to the club he started his career at, at this stage of his career, is unclear.
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