A new report claims that Cristiano Ronaldo’s highly lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr has a loophole if Newcastle United make the top four.
During the furore over Ronaldo’s future whilst he was at Manchester United, and when he became a free agent, there was belief the Portuguese star was seeking Champions League football.
And while he’s since opted to go to Saudi Arabia, away from Europe’s top club competition, he could be back sooner than expected, if a report from Marca is to be believed.
A clause in Ronaldo’s new contract is reported to say he will be allowed to join Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on loan if they finish in the top four, and qualify for Champions League football in 2023-24.
A takeover 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 turned around the club’s fortunes from the relegation spots to being in the right place for Europe’s premier club tournament.
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 though, as Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia claimed to reportered that he ‘tried to sign’ Ronaldo’s arch-nemesis Lionel Messi before signing the Portugal star.
Excited Saudi fans chanted his name and queued to buy No 7 replica shirts from the club shop ahead of his hotly-anticipated arrival into Saudi Arabian football.
