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Cristiano Ronaldo ‘has a contract clause 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 that Cristiano Ronaldo’s highly lucrative contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr has a loophole if Newcastle United breaks into the top four.
During the furore over Ronaldo’s future while at Manchester United, and when he became a free agent, the Portuguese star was widely believed to be seeking Champions League football.
And while he has since opted to go to Saudi Arabia, away from Europe’s main club competition, he could be back sooner than expected. if a brand report is to be believed.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Al-Nassr reportedly has a Champions League clause
If Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United finish in the top four, Ronaldo will be able to join them.
A clause in Ronaldo’s new contract is reported to say that he will be allowed to join Eddie Howe’s Newcastle on loan if they finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League in 2023-24.
In October 2021 the acquisition of the Tyneside club by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund was completed.
Over the past 15 months, they have invested heavily in players and have turned the club’s fortunes from relegation places to being in the right place for Europe’s premier club tournament.
The Magpies currently sit third in the Premier League, behind reigning champions Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal in the top spot.
Ronaldo could make his Al-Nassr debut against Al Ta’ee on Thursday, as Sportmail previously reported after the 37-year-old flew to the country for a medical.
However, his arrival could coincide with another clash with management, as Al-Nassr manager Rudi Garcia claimed 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 replica number 7 shirts at the club shop ahead of his much-anticipated arrival in Saudi Arabian football.