Al Nassr

Ronaldo contract has clause for Newcastle loan: report says

Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, is not quite done with the UEFA Champions League. A clause in the star’s contract with his new club could allow him to make a loan move back to Europe next season if one club finishes in a Champions League spot.

That club is Newcastle United.

If the English side finishes in the top four, Cristiano Ronaldo has a clause to loan to St. James Park next season, according to Spanish outlet Marca. This stems from the fact that the Saudi Public Investment Fund owns Newcastle United. Al Nassr, which is of course in Saudi Arabia, has ties to Newcastle United, by extension.

Ronaldo remains determined to extend his Champions League records. For example, he has the most goals in the history of the competition. Lionel Messi is just 11 goals behind the Portuguese. Then, he is on five Champions League titles, one shy of tying the record held by Paco Gento.

However, no Champions League club expressed interest in signing Ronaldo to let him fight for those records. Instead, he opted for the most lucrative contract in soccer history. In total, Ronaldo is making around $200 million per season.

Ronaldo has clause for Newcastle loan

That contract included the clause for Ronaldo to return to England with Newcastle United. Therefore, he is likely following the Magpies closely to ensure they finish top four.

This season, Newcastle has been on a tear. The club sits in third in the table, with just one loss at this point in the campaign. Based on current form, and the relative struggles of clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham, Newcastle have a clear path to the top four.

Therefore, Ronaldo has a way back to the Champions League. In the 2020/21 season, when Manchester United was in the competition, Ronaldo thrived. He scored six goals in seven games, including a number of goals at pivotal moments late on to secure United points. He also brings experience to a Newcastle side full of players that would likely be making their Champions League debuts.

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images

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