A major business deal involving Cristiano Ronaldo is on the table, as Jerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) regarding the acquisition of Al-Nassr.
According to *Gazzetta dello Sport*, the plan calls for RedBird to acquire 70% of the club’s shares in a deal valued at approximately $267 million.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The interest, however, also lies with CR7 himself. The Portuguese superstar, who has been playing for Al-Nassr since 2023, is reportedly participating in the investment scheme, with the goal of acquiring a 20% stake and transitioning from the role of player to that of co-owner.
Discussions, however, are still in the early stages, and no final agreement has been reached. If the deal goes through, Ronaldo will take on an even more active role in the team’s future, while Cardinale, who is behind RedBird and Milan, will seek to strengthen his presence in Saudi Arabian soccer as well.
At the same time, one of the most significant issues surrounding the potential deal is Al-Nassr’s financial situation. According to the Italian report, the club’s debts are reportedly nearing 800 million Saudi riyals, an amount equivalent to approximately 213 million dollars.
To move the process forward, the PIF is reportedly exploring ways to bolster the team’s finances, including through new sponsorship agreements with companies in its portfolio. The goal is to improve Al-Nassr’s financial standing prior to the potential transfer of shares and to make the club more attractive to prospective investors.
Finally, for Jerry Cardinale, the potential investment represents an opportunity to expand RedBird’s operations in global soccer. The company already has a strong presence through AC Milan and is now considering entering a market that has gained increased international visibility, with Ronaldo being one of Al-Nassr’s biggest commercial assets.
