Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr closing in on deal to sell on-loan star to Ligue 1 club for €20m fee: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr are reportedly closing in on a deal to sell midfielder Seko Fofana to Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. That is according to a report from L’Equipe and Ouest-France (via Yahoo) which claims that the 29-year-old could be on course to secure a sensational return to the French top flight.

Seko Fofana is one of the talents that Al-Nassr brought from Europe over the last couple of years alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. The midfielder joined the Saudi giants from Lens in a deal worth €25 million on July 18, 2023.

Unfortunately, the Ivorian has failed to nail a spot for himself at the club amid intense competition. Since making the switch, he's made just 19 appearances across all competitions, recording two goals and one assist to his name.

Fofana is currently playing his trade with Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. He joined the club back in January in a loan deal that will come to an end in July 2025.

In a fresh development, however, French outlets L’Equipe and Ouest-France have published a report linking the player with a return to Ligue 1. According to the story, Al-Nassr and Rennes are currently in talks and are closing in on an agreement for the player's transfer.

Meanwhile, Fofana isn't the only Al-Nassr player whose future will be up in the air soon. Cristiano Ronaldo is another name that could in the speculation in the coming months.

The Portuguese superstar's current contract with the Saudi giants will expire in the summer of 2025, which means that he's already free to start holding talks with suitors from January.

What next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?

After picking up the award for The Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Award on Saturday (December 28), Cristiano Ronaldo will be charged up when Al-Nassr take on Al Akhdoud at Al Awwal Park in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday January 9.

Following that, they will lock horns with Al Taawoun in another league encounter away from home on January 17 before going head-to-head with Al-Khaleej at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi top flight four days later.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the difference maker for his side. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has bagged 16 goals and three assists for the club in 19 appearances across all competitions so far this season and he looks primed to bag even more.