Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Become Highest Paid Athlete in the World Ahead of Multi Million Saudi Move

• Former Man United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly agreed to join Saudi giants Al Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year deal
• According to reports, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be pocketing an eyewatering £173million per year
• The lucrative deal will see him become the best-paid athlete in the world, ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar
• The amount is almost triple what Messi is earning, with the Paris Saint-Germain ace pocketing £62.5million

Cristiano Ronaldo is in line to become the world's highest-paid athlete ahead of his proposed sensational transfer to Saudi.

The veteran striker is currently on international duty with Portugal in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup.

However, while his focus is on the global football showpiece, he is understood to be shopping for a new club to join during the upcoming transfer window.

Ronaldo became a free agent this month after his contract at Manchester United was terminated prematurely with months left on it.

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His deal with the Red Devils was set to expire at the end of the season, only for the club to cut ties with him abruptly after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo to become best-paid athlete

However, it seems the 37-year-old will not stay clubless for long, with the star forward linked with a stunning move to Saudi giants Al Nassr.

Reports suggest Al Nassr stand the best chance of signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who was initially projected to continue playing in Europe.

According to Marca, Ronaldo has already agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal worth £173million-a-year with the Saudi club.

The deal, The Sun reports, will see the former Real Madrid man become the best-paid athlete in the world.

Kylian Mbappe is currently the world's highest-paid sportsman, with the Frenchman taking home an estimated £106.7million a year after renewing his deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

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Lionel Messi is placed second on the charts, with the Argentine earning £62.5million, while Neymar is third with £58.3million.

Ten Hag identifies Ronaldo replacements

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United manager Erik ten Hag has commenced plans to find a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ten Hag is said to have shortlisted PSV Eindhoven ace Cody Gakpo and Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao as possible replacements for the Portuguese star.

United terminated Ronaldo's contract earlier last week with a few months left on the striker's contract.