\n<\/p>\n
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.<\/p>\n
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.<\/p>\n
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition,” added the Saudi Pro League spokesperson. “Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.<\/p>\n
“But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.<\/p>\n
“Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.”<\/p>\n
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, becoming the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of \u00a3177m, but has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup with them.<\/p>\n
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a new two-year contract<\/a> in June 2025.<\/p>\n Before he agreed the new deal, however, there was speculation he might leave Al-Nassr with a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal<\/a> among those touted.<\/p>\n Al-Nassr only signed Iraq Under-23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem in the January transfer window.<\/p>\n Al-Hilal are unbeaten in the league this season and lead with 50 points after 20 games, while Al-Nassr are four points behind in third place, although they have a game in hand.<\/p>\n The Saudi Pro League spokesperson said: “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.<\/p>\n “The focus remains on football – on the pitch, where it belongs – and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n