Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken up the market with his farewell to Al Nassr. "This chapter has ended. The story? It's still being written", he posted on social media confirming that his time at Al Nassr has come to an end.
The Portuguese star ends his spell in Saudi Arabia without major titles, but with impressive goal-scoring numbers. His performance has been high, although the project didn't reach its goals. Even so, Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that he doesn't plan to retire.
Cristiano Ronaldo, out of Saudi Arabia and with no options to return to Madrid
Some Real Madrid fans dream of his return for the Club World Cup. It would be a symbolic end to his historic era. However, Florentino Pérez has already ruled out his return to Bernabéu.
The door at Real Madrid seems closed despite the mutual affection. Florentino is focused on the future and doesn't consider looking back. Even so, Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Al Nassr affects the Barça environment more than expected.
His exit from Al Nassr has caused an unexpected effect in Barcelona. The Saudi club has already moved to fill his spot and the chosen target has surprised everyone, as he is the number one target for the Catalan club to strengthen their squad.
Al Nassr moves ahead of Barça
Al Nassr wants to sign a forward who excites their fans and who can fill Cristiano Ronaldo's absence. They've set their sights on the same profile Barça is looking for. The operation is ready to get underway.
The name of the desired player has been confirmed by English and Spanish media. It's one of the most desired wingers on the international scene: Luis Díaz.
The big problem for the Barça fans is that Al Nassr is willing to pay whatever it takes. There are no negotiations: there's a direct offer. That changes everything in a matter of hours.
Luis Díaz, on Al Nassr's radar: 93 million USD (85 million EUR) on the table
Luis Díaz is Barça's number one target for this summer. The Colombian is liked for his speed, ability to unbalance, and goal-scoring capacity. But the competition has burst in strongly.
Al Nassr is offering 93 million USD (85 million EUR) to Liverpool to take him as soon as possible. It's an offer that exceeds anything Barça can pay. In addition, Luis Díaz wouldn't mind the Arab adventure.
Thus, the option of wearing the Barça jersey is cooling off considerably. At Can Barça, they can't compete with that financial muscle. Flick loses a key piece for his new project.
Cristiano's farewell could trigger another in the Barça locker room
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has been the start of a chain of consequences. Nobody expected his exit to affect Camp Nou. That's what has happened, and in a forceful way.
Luis Díaz was the hope of many Barça fans to strengthen the attack. However, everything points to them saying goodbye before welcoming him. Saudi Arabia has struck hard.
There's still summer ahead, but the situation is critical. If there's no reaction, Barça will lose their star signing without ever having had him. All because of Cristiano Ronaldo.