Saudi giants close in on £173 million-a-year deal for former Man United superstar

Al Nassr close to sealing £173 million-a-year deal with former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo

Saudi Arabia outfit Al Nassr are close to sealing a £173 million-a-year deal with Portugal and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Manchester Evening News).

The Riyadh-based club have tabled a historic offer to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. His abrupt exit from the Red Devils means the 37-year-old can sign for any as a free agent.

In the summer, Ronaldo received an overall £200 million from Saudi club Al Hilal. However, he rejected the offer from the Middle Eastern outfit.

The 37-year-old is currently with the Portugal national side in Qatar. He is trying to lead his country to their first World Cup title. Os Navegadores have won their first two group-stage fixtures against Ghana and Uruguay and have sealed their place in the knockout rounds.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has previously lifted the Euro 2016 and the Nations League title under Fernando Santos for his country.

Ronaldo had returned to United for his second spell last year. The Portuguese icon had initially joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2003 from Sporting CP.

After spending six successful seasons at the Old Trafford side under Sir Alex Ferguson, the 37-year-old signed for Real Madrid. He continued to make a mark in club football in Spain and later at Juventus.

Ronaldo’s first campaign back in Manchester was fruitful for him. The Portuguese finished as the leading goalscorer at United. Unfortunately, the overall performances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick were underwhelming. As a result, we failed to be competitive.

Erik ten Hag was appointed in the Old Trafford dugout at the end of last season. And the Dutch manager’s arrival saw the 37-year-old’s influence in the side dwindle. He failed to replicate the previous campaign’s exploits this term.

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In the end, it was wise for both Ronaldo and the Red Devils to part ways. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese icon spends the final years of his career in Saudi.