"I can't see him coming back to Premier League" – Ex-Manchester United coach on European league Cristiano Ronaldo can join after Al-Nassr exit

Ex-Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has asserted that Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo could return to La Liga in the future.

Ronaldo, who will turn 40 next February, has relished a brilliant time at Al-Nassr since arriving on a free transfer in January 2023. He has scored 80 goals and provided 18 assists in 89 total appearances for the Saudi Pro League outfit so far.

However, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star has yet to sign a contract renewal at Al-Nassr. His current contract will run out in June next year.

During a recent chat with GOAL, Meulensteen was asked if the Portugal captain will return to play in an European league after the end of his Al-Nassr contract in 2025. He responded:

"I think it's a big ask. I'm sure he would want to do it because he's that sort of guy. But he's 39 so it's already amazing how he keeps himself in shape, keeps going, keeps playing, he loves it."

Claiming that Ronaldo could play again in Spain, Meulensteen added:

"You say come back to Europe... well, Europe is a big place. I can't see him coming back to the Premier League. Maybe Spain, but then you have to go to one of the better teams that dominate possession, not a team that has to defend half the time. It would be possible but I find it hard to see that is going to happen."

Sharing more thoughts on the 39-year-old striker, Meulensteen said:

"I think he has set his sights on doing what he does in Saudi Arabia and the Asian Champions League, and Portugal with the national team. I think he's very keen on sticking with that and going to the World Cup in 2026. I think that's what his focus will be on."

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr keen to sell star

According to Saudi Arabian journalist Ali Alabdallah, Al-Nassr have decided to part ways with Anderson Talisca in the future. They are aiming to cash in on the ex-Benfica and Besiktas star with the player's current deal expiring in June 2026.

Since arriving from Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou for around £7 million in July 2021, Talisca has made 104 appearances across competitions for Cristiano Ronaldo's side. He has registered 76 goals and 10 assists for Al-Nassr so far.

On the other hand, Ronaldo's club are fourth in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League standings with 25 points from 13 matches. They are in third spot in the AFC Champions League Elite Group B with 13 points from six continental outings this season.