{"id":38659,"date":"2026-01-24T08:06:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T13:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T08:06:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T13:06:13","slug":"will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Cristiano Ronaldo Hang Up His Boots or Wrestle with a 2027 Contract Extension?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/#Recruitment_Saudi_Pro_Leagues_Ambitious_Plans\" >Recruitment: Saudi Pro League&#8217;s Ambitious Plans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/#Top_Targets_Salah_and_Fernandes_on_Saudi_Shortlist\" >Top Targets: Salah and Fernandes on Saudi Shortlist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/#Arsenal_Transfer_Significant_Funds_Available_for_Vinicius_Co\" >Arsenal Transfer: Significant Funds Available for Vinicius &#038; Co.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/24\/will-cristiano-ronaldo-hang-up-his-boots-or-wrestle-with-a-2027-contract-extension\/#Ronaldo_Retirement_Date_The_GOAT_Signs_Contract_Until_2027\" >Ronaldo Retirement Date: The GOAT Signs Contract Until 2027<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div data-v-746446fd=\"\">\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Retirement discussions surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo have emerged, with officials from the Saudi Professional League reportedly eyeing 50 prominent players to join him in the Middle East before he hangs up his boots. Notable targets like Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes aim to keep the league exciting as the 2034 World Cup approaches.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recruitment_Saudi_Pro_Leagues_Ambitious_Plans\"><\/span>Recruitment: Saudi Pro League&#8217;s Ambitious Plans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">According to <i>talk sports<\/i>, &#8220;dealmakers are planning to sign 50 peak-age foreign players this summer.&#8221; The quest for high-profile athletes is expected to gain momentum following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">While the emphasis is on signing players who can contribute to the Saudi Professional League over the long term, some older stars are also on the radar, including Liverpool&#8217;s Salah, Manchester United&#8217;s Fernandes, Real Madrid&#8217;s Vinicius Junior, and Barcelona&#8217;s Lewandowski.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_Targets_Salah_and_Fernandes_on_Saudi_Shortlist\"><\/span>Top Targets: Salah and Fernandes on Saudi Shortlist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/640\/427\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202025-11-18T105354.225.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1280\/854\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202025-11-18T105354.225.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Reports suggest that Saudi officials are already conducting an &#8220;investigation into Salah&#8221; following a recent outburst against Liverpool. Michael Emenalo, Saudi Top League&#8217;s sporting director, stated, &#8220;We have had a long-standing relationship with Salah, which will influence the timing of his transfer.&#8221; Al Ittihad&#8217;s previous \u00a3150 million bid for Salah was turned down in 2023, but they may soon renew their efforts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Al Ittihad may also target Manchester United&#8217;s Fernandes, especially with the potential departure of players like Karim Benzema and N&#8217;Golo Kante at season&#8217;s end. The Portuguese midfielder has a \u20ac60 million release clause for non-Premier League clubs, indicating he\u2019s open to new challenges.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Fernandes reportedly has a deal in place for a potential move to a Saudi club in 2025, with discussions surrounding a \u00a3700,000-a-week salary. Manchester United will reassess their options after this summer\u2019s World Cup final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Teammate Casemiro is also a long-term target for Saudi teams and could leave United as a free agent this summer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Some other Premier League players are also under consideration, including Aston Villa&#8217;s Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana, as well as Arsenal&#8217;s Gabriel Martinelli. Al Nasr is poised to make a move for Martinelli, while Arsenal plans to reinforce their left flank.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"article-content mg-b-25\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arsenal_Transfer_Significant_Funds_Available_for_Vinicius_Co\"><\/span>Arsenal Transfer: Significant Funds Available for Vinicius &#038; Co.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Beyond England, Real Madrid&#8217;s Vinicius is a target this summer, with Al Ahly reportedly having &#8220;substantial central funding&#8221; to facilitate the deal. Discussions regarding contract extensions for the player have stalled in Spain, while talks between Vinicius\u2019 agency, Roc Nation Sports, and Saudi officials have been in progress for over a year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">Sources suggest that Saudi Arabia has received positive signals about the possibility of acquiring Vinicius, and offers are also being explored for veteran striker Lewandowski, who is now 37.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">This push is backed by a &#8220;strategic shift&#8221; in Saudi Arabia, encouraging clubs to invest up to \u20ac2 billion annually on young talent. The funds are allocated based on a needs assessment and are intended for transfer fees, agent fees, and salaries.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mg-b-15 article-content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ronaldo_Retirement_Date_The_GOAT_Signs_Contract_Until_2027\"><\/span>Ronaldo Retirement Date: The GOAT Signs Contract Until 2027<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"full-width-image mg-t-15 article-content mg-b-25\" displaynav=\"true\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/640\/427\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202025-09-22T070119.018.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1,  https:\/\/a57.foxsports.com\/statics.foxsports.com\/www.foxsports.com\/content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1280\/854\/GOAL20-20Blank20WEB20-20Facebook20-202025-09-22T070119.018.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content\" use-external-image=\"false\" data-v-746446fd=\"\">The Saudi Pro League is already preparing for Ronaldo&#8217;s potential departure, anticipated in the summer of 2027 when the Portuguese superstar may retire from professional football. Even if CR7\u2019s contract is extended to allow him to play past the age of 43, the league has strategies in place to maintain global interest following his exit. Options are also being explored to retain Ronaldo&#8217;s involvement by increasing his ownership stake in Al Nasr by 15 percent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Fan Take:<\/strong> This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the growing ambition of the Saudi Pro League to attract global talent, directly impacting the competitive landscape of football. The potential arrival of star players not only elevates the league&#8217;s profile but also shapes the future of international play, especially as the World Cup approaches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Retirement discussions surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo have emerged, with officials from the Saudi Professional League reportedly eyeing 50 prominent players to join him in the Middle East before he hangs up his boots. Notable targets like Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes aim to keep the league exciting as the 2034 World Cup approaches. Recruitment: Saudi Pro [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[5069,876,909,895,40,7091,46,910,45,8370],"class_list":{"0":"post-38659","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-boots","9":"tag-contract","10":"tag-cristiano","11":"tag-extension","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-hang","14":"tag-news","15":"tag-ronaldo","16":"tag-soccer","17":"tag-wrestle"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38659","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38659"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38659\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38659"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}