Cristiano Ronaldo: Surprise transfer option emerges for ex-Man Utd star

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 14 Dec 2022 11:11 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo will soon decide over where his future lies following Portugal’s exit from the 2022 World Cup.

Released from Manchester United in November following a spectacular unsolicited interview, Ronaldo finds himself as a free agent.

There has been little talk of a possible move to one of Europe’s big guns, although there has been mooted discussion that Arsenal or Chelsea might be interested in him, but more realistic offers come from more exotic locations.

MORE: Ronaldo has NO plans to retire from Portugal duty

A possible switch to MLS could be on the cards, yet the Middle East provides what appears to be a more realistic prospect for Ronaldo at present.

Al-Nassr appear to be leading the way for the 37-year-old’s signature after offering him a bumper contract, although Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal have also be credited with an interest in the star.

But a third option has emerged, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

MORE: Three Ronaldo replacements we KNOW are on Man Utd’s shortlist

Al-Sadd in for Ronaldo

Qatar side Al-Sadd have put themselves in line for Ronaldo, it reports.

Like the offers from Saudi Arabia, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star would be richly rewarded in terms of his contract, although in a sporting sense, they may be less attractive because they lie ninth in the Qatar Stars League.

On the other hand, they are two-time AFC Champions League winners, the most recent occasion in 2011, when they followed that up with a third-placed finish at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo would join a couple of familiar faces in Al-Sadd, who are coached by former Manchester City assistant Juanma Lillo. Presently on the books of the club are ex-Arsenal star Santi Cazorla and Ghana international striker Andre Ayew.

The legendary striker, of course, has been out in Qatar for much of the last month, which will have given the club the opportunity to make direct contact with the player.

What is certain is that Ronaldo has yet to make a decisive decision.