Cristiano Ronaldo Backs Al-Nassr’s £85M Bid for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz

In a bold move to bolster their squad, Al-Nassr, led by football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, has launched an ambitious £85 million (€85 million) bid for Liverpool’s star winger Luis Díaz, as reported by multiple sources in early June 2025. The Saudi Pro League club, aiming to cement their dominance in the Middle East and persuade Ronaldo to remain beyond his newly signed contract until 2027, has identified the 28-year-old Colombian as a top target to enhance their attacking prowess. Ronaldo, who signed a lucrative two-year extension with Al-Nassr in June 2025, reportedly gave the green light for the pursuit, leveraging his influence both on and off the pitch to shape the club’s transfer strategy. This high-stakes bid comes amid a tumultuous period for Liverpool, following the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota, and has sparked intense debate about Díaz’s future at Anfield.

Díaz, who played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, has been a fan favorite since joining from Porto in 2022. With 17 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances last season, his electric pace and direct style have made him indispensable under manager Arne Slot. However, with his contract running until 2027 and no extension finalized, speculation about his future has intensified. Al-Nassr’s £85 million offer, described by journalist Ben Jacobs as a potential record-breaker for Liverpool, could become the second-highest sale in the club’s history, behind only Philippe Coutinho’s £142 million move to Barcelona. The bid reflects Al-Nassr’s ambition to build a competitive squad around Ronaldo, who, at 40, continues to dominate with 93 goals in 105 appearances for the club, including back-to-back Saudi Pro League Golden Boots.

Ronaldo’s influence at Al-Nassr extends beyond his on-field contributions. His new contract, reportedly worth €185 million annually, includes a minority ownership stake, giving him a say in recruitment decisions. Sources indicate Ronaldo personally endorsed Díaz as a priority target, seeing the Colombian’s work rate and flair as a perfect complement to his own goal-scoring prowess. Al-Nassr’s pursuit of Díaz initially emerged in May 2025, with reports suggesting the club aimed to secure high-profile names to convince Ronaldo to stay amid earlier speculation of his departure. While Ronaldo initially pushed for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Al-Nassr shifted focus to Díaz after Liverpool rebuffed earlier inquiries, signaling their intent to make a statement in the transfer market.

The timing of the bid, however, has raised eyebrows, coming just days after the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025. Díaz’s absence from Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, due to a promotional event in Colombia, already sparked controversy among Liverpool fans, with some questioning his commitment. The £85 million offer from Al-Nassr has further fueled speculation about his future, with X posts reflecting mixed sentiments: some fans praise Díaz’s contributions, while others argue the hefty sum could fund squad reinvestment, especially with Liverpool’s recent £116 million signing of Florian Wirtz. One X user wrote, “£85M for Díaz? Take it and run. He’s class, but we need to rebuild after Jota.”

Liverpool’s stance remains firm, with reports indicating they have no intention of selling Díaz, a key part of Slot’s plans. The club has engaged in positive talks with Díaz about a contract extension, though the player himself admitted to “negotiations” with other clubs, hinting at openness to new opportunities. Barcelona, long linked with Díaz, remains a dream destination for the Colombian, but their financial constraints make Al-Nassr’s cash-rich offer more feasible. The Saudi club’s willingness to pay a premium underscores their strategy to elevate the league’s profile, a mission Ronaldo has championed since joining in 2022.

For Díaz, the decision is fraught with complexity. Staying at Liverpool offers the chance to compete at Europe’s highest level, while a move to Al-Nassr promises riches beyond what Liverpool or Barcelona can offer, with reports suggesting a potential salary dwarfing his current £55,000-per-week deal. However, the Saudi Pro League’s perceived lack of competitive prestige could deter Díaz, who has expressed contentment at Anfield. “I’m very calm where I am, very happy,” he told Colombian influencer Mauricio Gomez, though he added, “We’ll see what can be achieved.” The emotional toll of Jota’s death, coupled with the backlash over his funeral absence, may also weigh on his decision, as he navigates his role as a leader in Liverpool’s grieving squad.

Al-Nassr’s pursuit, backed by Ronaldo’s approval, signals their intent to challenge rivals like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, who have outshone them in recent seasons. Despite Ronaldo’s individual brilliance, Al-Nassr’s third-place finish last season highlights the need for reinforcements like Díaz to secure a first major trophy since his arrival. As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool face a critical decision: hold firm on their star winger or cash in on a transformative sum. For Díaz, it’s a choice between legacy and lucre, with Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr offering a tantalizing, yet uncertain, new chapter.