Gerry Cardinale has confirmed that his American investment management firm Red Bird Capital Partners is exploring a potential acquisition of Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Cardinale said discussions are preliminary and that he was contacted to assess the opportunity, noting he works extensively in the Middle East.
Al Nassr is owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and is captained by Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract runs until June 2027. Reports suggest Ronaldo, 41, could become a part-owner under a Red Bird-led takeover. Cardinale said he would like to meet Ronaldo to discuss his post-retirement plans and future involvement with the club.
Red Bird already holds an 85% majority stake in French club Toulouse FC and completed its acquisition of Italian giants AC Milan in 2022. Cardinale indicated he continues to assess multi-club ownership possibilities.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo moved closer to the 1,000-goal career milestone, scoring a hat trick in a 5-3 win over Al Kholood. He is 15 goals short of 1,000.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing