Duran Is Already Packing: The Colombian Forward’s Saudi–Turkish Voyage
John Duran, the attack’s joker, was the first to react. His winter move from Aston Villa was valued at a solid 77 million euros, yet in Jeddah the 20-year-old Colombian could not escape Cristiano’s gravitational pull. According to insiders, the South American youth star will appear in the Turkish Süper Lig next season — the final details of his personal terms are in the home stretch. For Al-Nassr it is a chance to recoup part of the outlay and lighten the wage bill, while for Duran it is the long-awaited opportunity to gain regular playing time as a centre-forward rather than a supporting striker.
Sadio Mané at a Crossroads: Remain in the Shadows or Seek a New Ray of Light
An even tougher dilemma faces Sadio Mané. The Senegalese winger, who loved the wide flanks at Liverpool, is forced in the Saudi Pro League to lurk in half-tone zones between the lines because the entire vertical game is built around Ronaldo. 37 goals in 97 matches is respectable, yet far from elite for a former Champions League finalist. Authoritative English journalists report that MLS clubs and Fenerbahçe are interested in Mané. The player himself has paused: in summer 2025 he will either follow Duran’s path or gamble on another year alongside CR7 in pursuit of a title.
A Goalscorer Without Silverware: The Paradox of Ronaldo’s Saudi Spell
Cristiano astonishes with productivity — 99 goals across two seasons, two league Golden Boots. Yet team trophies elude him: Al-Nassr lost the battles for the championship, the Super Cup, and the Asian continental tournament. Supporters admire the records but demand silverware in the club museum.
Two-Year Extension and the Leader’s Eternal Ambition
“I still believe in this goal,” said the 40-year-old Portuguese after signing a new contract through 2027. Ronaldo emphasises that his contribution to the Arab world stretches beyond the touchline: academy development, media attention, infrastructure projects. Nevertheless, sporting results will be the litmus test for the long-term mission’s success.
What Comes Next? A Rebuild for the Title
Duran’s exit is virtually settled, and Mané may follow the same route — the freed-up funds will allow Al-Nassr to hunt for a wide playmaker and a specialist holding midfielder. A new axis is forming around Ronaldo: experienced midfielders with long-range passing, rapid full-backs able to patrol the flank from flag to flag. The free-agent market promises big names, while the league’s financial cap is unforgiving.
If the Saudi project wants an individual legend to turn into collective gold, the club will have to sacrifice even famous surnames. The era of Cristiano’s dominance continues, but the price of this era is now not only new records, but also the fragile balance of the dressing room. Next summer will show whether Al-Nassr are ready to tune the orchestra to the first violin and finally play the championship symphony.
