Cristiano Ronaldo out, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski in? Saudi Pro League’s ambitious transfer target revealed

As uncertainty continues to swirl around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League appears to be planning for a future without its most iconic name.

As uncertainty continues to swirl around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League appears to be planning for a future without its most iconic name. The Portuguese legend, who arrived in 2022, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances, but now finds himself in a tense standoff with the club over his contract renewal. Amid this delicate backdrop, a new star may be lining up for the crown — and it’s none other than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. 

Tensions have escalated between Ronaldo and Al-Nassr’s leadership, especially following a disappointing 2024-25 season that ended without major trophies. The 40-year-old has reportedly made several demands, including a complete restructuring of the club’s sporting direction. These demands already triggered the dismissal of CEO Majed Jaman Alsorour, who responded with a public threat of legal action. 

“Today I was dismissed in a manner that I consider unprofessional, inappropriate and unacceptable. Therefore, a dispute will begin between me and the club’s management,” Alsorour wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

To make matters worse, Ronaldo posted a cryptic message last month that read: “This chapter is closed. History? Still being written. Thank you everyone.” While it didn’t confirm an exit, it certainly left room for speculation.

The pressure is on Al-Nassr to decide: fulfill CR7’s demands and build around him once more — or risk losing a figure who has transcended soccer to become the face of the league. 

Enter Robert Lewandowski 

While Ronaldo’s next move remains unknown, Saudi officials are not waiting idly. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Robert Lewandowski has emerged as the top candidate to inherit Ronaldo’s mantle as the league’s marquee figure. 

Currently under contract with Barcelona until June 2026, Lewandowski has made it clear he isn’t going anywhere — at least not yet. In a recent interview with Bild, the Polish striker reaffirmed his commitment to the Catalan giants. 

“I’ve won more than 30 titles in my career. But I’m ready for more. It’s not an issue for me. I’ll stay next season. Right now, all I have on my mind is Barcelona,” he said. 

Despite being 36 years old, Lewandowski just completed his most productive campaign since arriving in Spain. He scored 27 goals in La Liga and 42 overall in all competitions, narrowly missing out on the European Golden Boot to Kylian Mbappe. These numbers have not gone unnoticed in the Gulf. 

Future in the desert? 

Although Lewandowski remains focused on Barca, Saudi clubs are reportedly preparing long-term offers to lure him to the Middle East, potentially in 2026, once his current contract expires or if Barcelona declines to activate the extension clause. 

No official negotiations have begun yet, but sources suggest that talks could begin as early as January 2026, depending on how both Barcelona and Lewandowski assess his performance levels heading into his late 30s.