Ronaldo Linked to Man United Reunion Amid Al Nassr Moves

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese forward now at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, could return to Manchester United or move elsewhere as his contract approaches its end in 2026. Interest from Europe, Saudi clubs, and even Brazil has picked up, with former United players linked to his current team and new suitors eyeing him directly.

Background

Ronaldo first joined Manchester United in 2003 as a young winger from Sporting Lisbon. He grew into a star there, winning three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. After six years, he moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where he scored a club-record 450 goals over nine seasons and picked up four more Champions League trophies. Spells at Juventus and a second stint at United followed before he left Old Trafford in late 2022 amid tensions with manager Erik ten Hag.

That exit led him to Al Nassr, where he has scored plenty of goals in the Saudi Pro League. At 41 years old, Ronaldo has netted 790 goals in 1,051 club games. He recently called himself the most complete player ever, pointing to his skills with both feet, headers, free kicks, speed, and strength. His time in Saudi Arabia has drawn other big names to the league, but Al Nassr now eyes changes as they slip in the title race.

Ronaldo's deal with Al Nassr runs until mid-2026, the same year he plans to play his last World Cup for Portugal. His departure from United still motivates him, and with the summer window nearing, clubs are watching closely. Manchester United, under new pressures with manager Ruben Amorim, faces its own squad shifts, including players whose contracts end soon.

Key Details

Several reports point to moves involving Ronaldo and his old club. Al Nassr wants Manchester United midfielder Casemiro as a replacement for Marcelo Brozovic, who plans to leave this summer. Casemiro, 33, joined United from Real Madrid and has played under Ten Hag, Amorim, and now Michael Carrick. Talks with his representatives have started, and a deal could reunite him with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

Harry Maguire Eyes Saudi Switch

Defender Harry Maguire's United contract expires in June 2026. Clubs like Al-Ettifaq and Ronaldo's Al Nassr have him on their lists. Maguire, who came to United from Leicester in 2019 as the world's most expensive defender, returned to the bench recently after injury. He used an extension clause last year but now can talk to overseas teams from January. A move might end his England career but offer big wages and a link-up with Ronaldo.

In Brazil, Portuguesa president Alex Bourgeois said his club will try to sign Ronaldo for the 2026 Paulistão tournament. The team, tied to the Portuguese community in Brazil, sees Ronaldo as the greatest Portuguese ever. They tried for Nani before and now aim to build a bridge between Brazil and Portugal through football and culture.

“He’s the greatest Portuguese of all time, he’s the greatest personality in the world today. It would be great, but I can imagine how many people don’t offer anything related to Portugal to Cristiano Ronaldo, right? But it’s obvious that he’s a great Portuguese, and obviously, at some point, we’re going to have to try to talk.” – Alex Bourgeois, Portuguesa president

Ronaldo himself has not commented on these links. A short-term reunion with United during the March FIFA break has been mentioned, but both teams struggle in their leagues this year. Al Nassr targets other stars too, like a Juventus midfielder, showing their spending plans.

United deals with its own issues. Players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho left on loan, and more outgoings loom. Amorim faces pressure despite recent wins, and the club eyes midfield help while bracing for free agents like Maguire.

What This Means

A Ronaldo return to United would stir Old Trafford. Fans still remember his goals and drama from 2021-2022, when he scored 24 times but clashed with the manager. At his age, he brings experience, leadership, and draw power, but fitness and role questions linger. United's attack needs boost amid poor form, and Ronaldo knows the club well.

For Al Nassr, losing Ronaldo means rebuilding. They bet big on him to grow the league, and his exit could slow that. Bringing in Casemiro keeps midfield strong, but Brozovic's departure hurts. Saudi clubs keep spending, with lists of 50 European targets planned for summer.

Portuguesa's bid highlights Ronaldo's global pull. At 41, a Brazilian move offers new fans and less pressure, tying into his roots. His 2026 World Cup focus shapes choices—he wants peak form for Portugal's last shot at glory with him.

United risks losing Maguire for free, weakening defense. A Saudi deal pays well but cuts his top-level time. Casemiro staying aids stability, but a Ronaldo reunion there pulls him from European football.

Ronaldo holds the cards. His goals keep coming, and suitors line up. United rebuilds under Amorim, balancing youth and stars. Saudi money tempts, Brazil offers adventure. By summer 2026, his path clears as contracts end and windows open.

Casemiro spoke fondly of United after his announcement. He values Old Trafford's passion and plans to fight until May. Maguire wants talks on his future, loving the club but eyeing options. Bourgeois pushes his vision, blending sport and heritage. All eyes stay on Ronaldo's next call.