Cristiano Ronaldo ‘has a clause in his contract with Al-Nassr that allows him to join Newcastle on loan… if the Saudi-owned Premier League club qualifies for the Champions League next season’
A new report claims Cristiano Ronaldo’s lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr has a loophole if Newcastle United finish in the top four.
During the turmoil over Ronaldo’s future while he was at Manchester United, and when he became a free agent, there was a belief that the Portuguese star was looking for Champions League football.
And while he chose to go to Saudi Arabia, away from Europe’s top club competition, he could return sooner than expected, if a report from Marca is to be believed.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr reportedly has a Champions League clause
If Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United finish in the top four, Ronaldo will be allowed to join them
A clause in Ronaldo’s new contract reportedly allows him to join Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on loan if they finish in the top four, and qualify for Champions League football in 2023-24.
The acquisition of the Tyneside club by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was completed in October 2021.
Over the past 15 months, they have invested heavily in players, and have turned the club’s fortunes around from the relegation spots to a rightful place in Europe’s premier club tournament.
Ronaldo looked happy upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia and was seen posing with his fans
The Magpies currently sit in third place in the Premier League, behind reigning champions Manchester City, and Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal in pole position.
Ronaldo could make his debut for Al-Nassr against Al Ta’ee on Thursday, as previously reported by Sportmail after the 37-year-old flew to the country for a medical.
His arrival could coincide with another clash with management, as Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia told reporters he ‘tried to sign’ Ronaldo’s arch-nemesis Lionel Messi before signing the Portugal star.
Excited Saudi fans chanted his name and lined up to buy No 7 replica shirts from the club shop ahead of his expected arrival in Saudi Arabian football.
Ronaldo will wear his trademark No 7 jersey following his £175m-a-year move to Al-Nassr
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