Newcastle United owners PIF have already made a major decision involving Cristiano Ronaldo as he closes in on a new contract.
PIF, of course, don’t only own Newcastle United.
The Newcastle United owners also oversee several clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli are all under their ownership too.
Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, having joined them from Manchester United in 2023 after leaving Old Trafford for the second time.
There has recently been some speculation over the forward’s future but an update has emerged, with PIF ready to hand Ronaldo some major control.
- READ MORE: What Cristiano Ronaldo told Anthony Elanga as Newcastle United ‘have transfer bid rejected’
Cristiano Ronaldo to sign new contract at Al-Nassr
Earlier in June, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, claimed PIF will let Ronaldo be the “main decision-maker” in the transfer market after the 40-year-old agreed to stay at the club.
The former Real Madrid star wanted guarantees they’d be competitive next season and, after getting them, has decided to remain there.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the forward is set to sign a new deal that could run up until 2027 if Ronaldo chooses to extend his career.
How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored in Saudi Arabia?
Given the connection in the ownership, Newcastle were linked with signing Ronaldo in 2023.
Still, moving for an aging superstar just hasn’t been something PIF have done at Newcastle since the takeover in 2021.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 105 | 93 | 19 |
That kind of strategy appears to be reserved for their clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Unsurprisingly, however, Ronaldo has continued to score plenty of goals even despite his age. In 103 appearances for Al-Nassr, he’s bagged 93 goals and recorded 19 assists.
While it has to be seen as a good thing that Newcastle never got tempted to bring him to St James’ Park, Ronaldo is certainly doing the business out in Saudi.
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