Ronaldo’s Al Nassr swansong faces a major test as squad gaps grow

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next season could be the final chapter of his time with Al Nassr, but the captain’s ambitions for a trophy-filled farewell are being tested by the club’s limited activity in the transfer market and difficult financial situation.

Ronaldo’s contract is approaching its conclusion and there is still no certainty over whether he will remain beyond the forthcoming campaign. The possibility of a new challenge for the Portugal forward, combined with Al Nassr’s accumulated debts and financial commitments, has left his long-term future unresolved.

The 40-year-old does not want his spell in Saudi Arabia to end quietly. Having achieved much during his time with Al Nassr, Ronaldo is understood to want a high-profile departure. However, his desire to leave on a high has collided with a club that has so far been unable to make the additions he expected to strengthen the squad and mount a serious challenge across all competitions.

Since Ronaldo joined Al Nassr, his project has been linked to the pursuit of major honours. That makes the coming season, potentially his last with the Riyadh club, particularly significant.

He wants to make a final mark by winning the Roshn Saudi League, competing strongly in the AFC Champions League Elite, continuing to break individual records and reclaiming the top-scorer award. Such achievements would give his Saudi Arabian adventure a different conclusion from the seasons that have preceded it.

To realise those objectives, though, Ronaldo needs a balanced and competitive squad. That places considerable importance on Al Nassr’s recruitment before the new campaign begins.

So far, the club has strengthened only in midfield, signing Portugal international Samu Costa as a replacement for Marcelo Brozovic following the Croatian’s departure. While the move addresses an important position, it does not resolve the wider weaknesses in the squad.

Al Nassr will be expected to compete on several fronts, yet its financial obligations have significantly restricted its ability to operate in the transfer market. As a result, Ronaldo finds himself leading a squad that has not received the level of investment he would have hoped for, despite the demands of his targets requiring the arrival of players capable of helping him challenge for trophies.

The right-back position is one of the clearest areas in need of attention. Sultan Al-Ghannam’s anterior cruciate ligament injury has left Nawaf Boushal as the main available option in that role. A long season involving multiple competitions requires strong cover, making Al-Ghannam’s absence a substantial blow to Al Nassr’s planning.

The situation on the left is not much better. Saad Al-Nasser’s form has declined, while the club does not have an obvious specialist foreign option to solve the problem. Ayman Yahya has been used as a makeshift answer, even though his natural position is on the wing.

Al Nassr also need a wide player capable of operating on both flanks, particularly after Brazilian winger Wesley left on loan. A versatile attacker would give the manager greater tactical flexibility, help the team cope with injuries and fixture congestion, and allow changes in shape without significantly weakening its attacking threat.

That position, too, has yet to receive the required reinforcement, adding to the list of problems awaiting Al Nassr before the season starts.

The contrast is stark: Ronaldo may be entering his possible final season determined to win everything, while the club is being forced to prioritise its financial commitments and limit its market activity.

The captain wants a team capable of competing for the biggest prizes. Al Nassr, meanwhile, must first manage its financial responsibilities. The gap between those two priorities is becoming increasingly clear.

Ronaldo remains capable of producing decisive moments on his own and is still one of the world’s leading forwards. But relying on him alone is unlikely to be enough against rivals with more complete squads.

His final act at Al Nassr will therefore begin amid a clash between personal ambition and institutional reality. The question is whether Ronaldo can overcome those obstacles and leave Riyadh with the titles he has pursued, or whether his Saudi Arabian journey will end with more unanswered questions.