Crisitiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are reportedly one of four clubs to be put up for sale by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund amid plans to slow down spending.
Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal – the country’s four biggest clubs – were placed under the ownership of the Saudi PIF back in 2023.
The PIF announced it would own 75 per cent of each club, with the remainder under the control of the country’s Ministry of Sport.
The move preceded a major spending spree by the Saudi Pro League clubs, which attracted major stars including Neymar and Karim Benzema to join Ronaldo to move to the league.
Saudi Arabian journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan has reported that in major shift, the PIF are now looking to sell the four clubs to investors.
The sales would include the 25 per cent stake owned by the Ministry of Sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are reportedly one of four clubs placed on sale by Saudi Arabia
Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad are part of Saudi Arabia’s big four clubs, which were placed under the ownership of their Public Investment Fund in 2023, but are now reportedly up for sale
The reports come two months after Ronaldo signed a new £492m contract with Al-Nassr
The report claims a race is already underway to sell Al-Hilal, with Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal reportedly the favourite to buy the club ahead of former Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad.
Prince Al Waleed is currently listed as a golden member of Al-Hilal and sent his luxury Boeing 747 to pick up Neymar ahead of his transfer to the club back in 2023.
Reports have claimed the PIF’s initial investment into the big four clubs and vast investment in the transfer market was part of a plan to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to grow their domestic league, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 project.
Last month saw the introduction of a new ‘club financial performance improvement’ project aimed at monitoring the financial status of Saudi Arabian clubs.
‘The project focuses on monitoring the implementation of approved budgets, controlling operational expenditures, and rationalising spending,’ a statement read.
‘These efforts aim to minimise the risk of future financial liabilities and enhance clubs’ ability to achieve financial stability and sustainable growth within a more professional operating environment.
‘These development measures demonstrate the Ministry of Sport’s commitment to enabling clubs to operate within a stable and integrated financial framework.
‘This approach supports the growth of the sports sector and reinforces its long-term sustainability, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a professional sporting environment rooted in governance, transparency, and sustainability.’
Darwin Nunez is the biggest money signing in the Saudi Pro League this summer, but the Government announced new financial controls last month in a bid to ‘rationalise spending’
Former Oxford United boss Des Buckingham was placed in charge of Al-Kholood earlier this month following their takeover by an American investment group
Saudi Arabia’s big four have still invested this summer, with Al-Hilal spending a combined £76m to sign Darwin Nunez from Liverpool and Theo Hernandez from AC Milan.
Al-Nassr have spent £64m on signing Kinsley Coman and Joao Felix from Bayern Munich and Chelsea, respectively. The club also confirmed in June that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract extension, worth a reported £492million.
Al-Ahli’s biggest summer signing to date is Enzo Millot, who joined from Stuttgart for £27m, while Al-Ittihad have spent just £19million in total.
Despite the investment, it has represented a shift from the initial burst of activity when clubs spent close to £750million on players ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The potential sale of Saudi Arabia’s big four clubs comes after the government openly announced plans last year to pursue investment and seek privatisation.
Last month, the Ministry of Sports confirmed the privatisation of three clubs with Al-Kholood becoming the first to be opened by foreign investors.
Al-Kholood was sold the the Harburg Group, which is led by US investor Ben Harburg.
The American group has since rebranded the club’s crest and confirmed the appointment of former Oxford United manager Des Buckingham as their new boss.
Al-Zulfi and Al-Ansar were sold to Saudi Arabian entities.
On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Sports announced it was inviting expressions of interest in Pro League clubs Al-Najma and Al-Okhdood and stated it formed part of the second phase of their investment and privatisation project.
