Ronaldo’s Return Triggers Major Shake-Up at Al Nassr

Saudi media reports have revealed significant administrative developments at Al Nassr, coinciding with the imminent return of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to first-team action, in a move aimed at restoring stability after a turbulent period at the club.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah, the board of Al Nassr Club Company has pledged to resolve several outstanding issues from recent weeks, most notably settling overdue financial payments to club employees in the coming days. 

The move is part of a broader plan to re-establish administrative and financial discipline.

The report added that the club has decided to restore full administrative and financial powers to Portuguese chief executive José Semedo and sporting director Simão Coutinho, after their authorities had previously been frozen. 

The same sources indicated that sweeping changes to the club’s management structure could be imminent, potentially including the removal of chairman Abdullah Al-Majed, as part of efforts to ease internal tensions.

Reports suggest that a previous media interview given by the Al Nassr president sparked dissatisfaction within the Portuguese contingent at the club. 

Comments related to the work of the chief executive and the technical staff, led by head coach Jorge Jesus, reportedly intensified internal frustration and contributed to the ongoing unrest.

On the sporting front, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to Al Nassr’s matchday squad for Saturday’s clash against Al Fateh in Round 22 of the Saudi Pro League. 

The forward had missed matches against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad in protest over what he viewed as insufficient squad reinforcement during the winter transfer window.

These developments follow an administrative decision issued on December 31, approved by the majority of the Al Nassr Club Company board, which froze the chief executive’s powers and withdrew financial spending authority from all departments, limiting approvals exclusively to the executive committee.

Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 49 points, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal, as the title race continues to intensify.