Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen Linked with Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of Next Season

• Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen
• Xabi Alonso is reportedly interested in signing his former teammate
• Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr will expire in the summer of 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo could be making a switch to join German Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

When the 39-year-old left Manchester United by mutual consent in November 2021 for the Saudi Pro League, it seemed his European career had ended.

The Portuguese maestro has maintained his prolific form, netting a hat-trick in his most recent match for Al Nassr against Al Wehda, bringing his season total to 47 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.

Leverkusen's surprising fascination with Ronaldo

Reporter Alhazza Mutab has suggested that Leverkusen are eyeing Ronaldo as they aim to make an impact in the Champions League next season.

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It's claimed that Leverkusen are interested in signing the Al-Nassr captain, who has played in England, Spain and Italy but never Germany.

The newly crowned Bundesliga champions, still on track for an unbeaten season across all competitions, reportedly aim to secure the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's signature this summer.

Their manager, Xabi Alonso, who previously played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, has endorsed the move, according to latest rumours.

The former Juventus forward's potential transfer to Leverkusen could mark a significant chapter in the club's history and the forward's illustrious career.

However, Ronaldo's willingness to return to Europe remains uncertain, given his praise for the standard of the Saudi Pro League since joining.

What Ronaldo said about Saudi League

In January, when questioned about the quality of the Saudi top tier, Ronaldo remarked via The Mirror:

"To be honest, I believe the Saudi League is not inferior to the French league, in my view. In the French league, I think there are only two or three teams with a high level. In Saudi, it's now more competitive. People can argue, but it's just my perspective, and I've played there for a year, so I speak from experience."

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Ronaldo's contract at Al-Nassr

For Bayer Leverkusen to acquire Ronaldo, they'll need to negotiate a transfer fee with Al-Nassr to bring him to Germany.

The ex-Manchester United star remains contracted to the Riyadh-based club, having joined them on a free transfer in December 2022, per Sportskeeda.

He signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, binding him with the club until the summer of 2025.

Ronaldo's sister praises Saudi Arabia's culture

Sports Brief also previously reported on Ronaldo's sister praising Saudi Arabia’s culture of respect and safety, which has helped the family settle in the country.

Katie Aveiro, who moved to the Middle East when her brother transferred to the league and has adapted seamlessly, claimed no one disrespects them in Riyadh.