Deadline Drama: Ronaldo Triggers Two-Deal Push as Al Nassr Faces Late Winter Window

A major crisis has hit Saudi football, centering on Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese captain, who decided not to play tonight against Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League, signaling discontent that began at the season's start.

Background: Ronaldo's Stance and the Window

Ronaldo's frustration grew as Al Hilal's management pursued several strong signings in the current winter window, especially in recent days, while Al Nassr had completed only one deal—the Iraqi Haider Abdul Karim.

The Portuguese newspaper A Bola said the reason differs from initial Saudi press reports, saying it isn't tied to any special prep for the clash with Al Ittihad in the Pro League set for the sixth of the month.

According to a source at Al Nassr, Ronaldo is unhappy with how the Saudi Public Investment Fund runs the club, compared with the favorable treatment its rivals receive as they are funded by the same fund.

Maisfutebol reports the club began serious steps to pacify Ronaldo, leading to his decision to skip the Riyadh match.

The report adds the pressure Ronaldo exerted has rattled Saudi football and will push Al Nassr's management to strike two big signings with the fund.

With the window closing Monday night and time tight to complete major deals, clubs will try to appease him with two signings.

Deadline day looms, and football fans everywhere are refreshing their feeds.

For Ronaldo, timing is everything; for Al Nassr, this window could redefine the season.