Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his supposed strike action at Al-Nassr branded “strange”, with the Portuguese GOAT reportedly refusing to play for his Saudi Pro League employers. He is tied to the most lucrative contract in world football, but has grown frustrated at business in the Middle East. A move is now being mooted that could put his 1,000 career-goal target at risk.

The 2026 winter window closed on Monday, with Jorgen Strand Larsen's £48 million move from Wolves to Crystal Palace the biggest deal done on deadline day. Truth be told, though, it was a pretty tame end to what's been a fairly quiet month in the transfer market. Indeed, aside from Manchester City, most of Europe's top teams did next-to-no mid-season business, while there was very little movement at all in France, Germany or Spain - which wasn't that surprising, given January is traditionally a tough time to find good value for money.

Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr in the summer, with a move to either Major League Soccer or a return to Europe both options for the Portugal superstar. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United ace has a release clause of €50 million (£43m/$59m) in his contract ahead of the summer window and will not lack for offers if he decide to quit the Saudi Pro League.

Karim Benzema has completed a shock January transfer from Al-Ittihad to Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal on deadline day. The former Real Madrid star was into the final few months of his deal with Al-Ittihad but has now moved on. The proposed move is unlikely to go down well with Cristiano Ronaldo who has been left frustrated by recent transfer activity in the Saudi Pro League.

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Al-Nassr's squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Ahead of the game there had been speculation that Ronaldo would refuse to play in the match after being left frustrated by the way the PIF (Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia) is managing the club, particularly in regards to transfers.