People are sleeping on how much leverage Ronaldo actually has. Yeah, he is comfortable, but do not let the “no transfer rumor” headlines fool you. Al Nassr basically built their whole modern identity around CR7. After he arrived, their social media exploded from 5.2 million to over 57.5 million. And that is not just “shirt sales” talk. It is the core of their commercial power in Saudi football
Ronaldo is using that power to force the club to change, not just for himself, but to build a team that can actually win something. The whole CEO got sacked, direct result of Ronaldo’s demands after another trophyless season. Pioli’s probably out next. And do not forget, the first contract offer was a 52% pay cut plus club shares. Ronaldo said “nope”, and now the new deal looks to keep his current €200M a year salary. Al Nassr needs him way more than he needs them, which is why the club keeps making big moves to please him (like chasing top names from Europe, and making record-breaking transfer bids)
You’re spot on that he’s not moving to a rival (he never does that, check his whole history), but the real fear for Al Nassr is not him joining Al Hilal or whoever. It’s losing the entire Ronaldo project and the global relevance he brings. So renewal is coming, but only because Ronaldo forced the club to bend over backwards for him
I love Ronaldo cause I admire his effort a lot, he's a great player and not everyone can do what he's doing at that age, I believe that's why Al Nassr still wants him despite his contract ending in a week time, anyways I believe that they'll start a renewal process soon cause if they don't need him anymore they would've made it official, well I understand why Al Nassr are scared of losing him cause they feel he'll go to one of their rivals and if he ends up in a team like Hilal it would mean lots of trouble for them. Anyways, even though Al Nassr ends up renewing his contract I don't think they should build their team around a 40years old player but should rather try to attract good European players that would help strengthen the team to the point of challenging their rivals and win the Saudi Pro League trophy in the near future.