RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) — Saudi officials are in “difficult” talks to keep Cristiano Ronaldo in the country, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP on Thursday, after the star footballer suggested he was leaving Al Nassr.

The Portuguese superstar, whose arrival in 2023 heralded a rush of late-career players to the oil-rich country, could transfer to Al Hilal and feature at the upcoming Club World Club, the source said.

“There is an ongoing difficult negotiation to convince Ronaldo to stay and play” in the Saudi Pro League next season, said the source from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a major investor in Saudi football.

“First option is a transfer to Al Hilal with an opportunity to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup or to Asia champion Al Ahli,” the source added.

The oil-funded PIF, the sovereign wealth fund behind a number of big-ticket Saudi investments, controls a group of Pro League clubs including Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

Ronaldo posted “This chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League wrapped up this week with Al Nassr finishing third and trophyless once again.

A special transfer window opens from 1 to 10 June to allow the 32 teams involved in the newly expanded Club World Cup to sign players.

Last week, International Football Federation president Gianni Infantino said “there are discussions” over the former United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon star playing at the tournament in the United States from 14 June.

Portuguese forward Ronaldo, 40, joined Al Nassr in early 2023 from Manchester United and his contract expires at the end of next month.

“Ronaldo’s presence is a key factor in developing the Saudi league in the last two years and a half. He opens the door for elite and young players to come to Saudi Arabia,” the PIF source said.