Ronaldo's Al-Nassr hit by $213m debt crisis

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr are facing a severe financial crisis, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo's club unable to sign a single player in the ongoing summer transfer window.

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, the club's total debt has exceeded 800 million Saudi riyals (approximately $213 million), a financial burden that has effectively stalled its transfer activities.

The report says the crisis stems from a series of financial decisions made during the previous season.

The club had reached an agreement to sign Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Mallorca, but the deal collapsed due to financial constraints. Contract renewal talks with winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb have also been delayed for the same reason.

To address the crisis, Al-Nassr's owner, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has reportedly approved a three-point recovery plan.

As part of the measures, the club's executive management has seen its financial authority curtailed, preventing any new signings until sufficient revenue is generated internally. PIF also plans to appoint financial, commercial and legal advisers to restructure the club's finances by increasing commercial income, reducing unnecessary expenditure and implementing a long-term recovery strategy.

In addition, PIF is reportedly reviewing proposals from potential investors. While two offers are under serious consideration, the fund is understood to prefer selling a minority stake rather than relinquishing full ownership of the club.

The financial uncertainty comes as Al-Nassr's domestic rivals Al-Hilal strengthened their economic position after selling a minority stake to Kingdom Holding Company earlier this year.

With the new season approaching, Al-Nassr now faces the dual challenge of rebuilding its finances while remaining competitive on the pitch.