Cristiano Ronaldo's club 'put up for sale' as Saudi Arabia make big U-turn on Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly among the clubs to have been put up for sale by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. PIF are said to be looking to sell four sides as part of their plans to reduce spending, having splashed the cash on growing the profile of the Saudi Pro League over the past two years.

A host of top players have been lured away from Europe and to the Middle East, with Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang among the most notable names to make the switch this summer.

However, PIF are now looking to reduce their spending. They currently own 75 per cent of each of the nation's four biggest clubs, with the Saudi Ministry of Sport owning the remainder - but those majority stakes are now up for sale.

Saudi Arabian journalist Ahmen Al-Ajlan reports that Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal have all been put up for sale. Interest is already growing in each club, and top stars from the Saudi Pro League will be eagerly watching how the saga pans out.

PIF have raised the profile of the competition immensely with their lucrative spending, and an injection of fresh funds and independent ownership from the organisation could shape the league into an even more competitive affair.

Al-Hilal has emerged as the most sought-after outfit so far, with a host of famous faces among their squad already, including Darwin Nunez, Joao Cancelo and Theo Hernandez. Billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal is leading the race to purchase the club, with ex-Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad also showing interest.

Although Saudi sides have splashed the cash this summer and intend on doing so going forward, a new 'finance performance improvement project' has been introduced to monitor the ongoings at each club. The regulations aim to ensure that the competition is sustainable and continue on its upward trajectory both on the pitch and financially.

A statement read: "The project focuses on monitoring the implementation of approved budgets, controlling operational expenditures, and rationalising spending. These efforts aim to minimise the risk of future financial liabilities and enhance clubs' ability to achieve financial stability and sustainable growth within a more professional operating environment.

"These development measures demonstrate the Ministry of Sport's commitment to enabling clubs to operate within a stable and integrated financial framework. This approach supports the growth of the sports sector and reinforces its long-term sustainability, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a professional sporting environment rooted in governance, transparency, and sustainability."