Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr is facing a financial crisis that has halted transfers and delayed salary payments, according to Saudi Arabian media
The news comes just days after Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou was appointed, and follows Ronaldo’s strike earlier in the year over what he viewed as a lack of investment in the club, despite earning £488,000 a day.
According to a report in Al-Riyadiyah, several first-team players received their June salaries in instalments, while the club’s hierarchy have been working to settle the upcoming outstanding amounts.
There is, however, a lack of detailed information regarding how many players have been affected, how much of their salary remains unpaid and when any outstanding balances are expected to be settled. The seriousness of the club’s long-term financial therefore remains unclear.
The report does state, though, that the accumulation of debt, which exceeds the club’s revenues, has seen Al Nassr’s transfer activity stall during the current window, including plans to acquire a foreign player to replace midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
The precariousness of the situation could also have a lasting impact on those players already at the club, as highlighted by a source in Al-Riyadiyah.
‘This makes it impossible to impose new contractual obligations on the club before addressing the current financial situation and providing proof of its ability to meet its commitments,’ they said.
The same source confirmed that Al-Nassr’s management has not yet submitted the necessary documents to the relevant authorities to demonstrate its financial capacity to enter into new contracts.
All of this comes despite the club’s heavy investment in recent years following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, leading to the reclamation of the Saudi Pro League title at the end of last season after seven years without a crown.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
