Despite scoring 87 goals in 95 matches for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo could be looking for another move.
Reporting in November indicated Ronaldo has three options: Stay at Al Nassr, sign with Sporting, or retire from football altogether.
Sports betting markets aren't expecting Ronaldo to return to Europe. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho rubbished rumours of a potential reunion with Ronaldo a few months ago.
Celebrating his 40th birthday on 5th February, Ronaldo was adamant he can continue to contribute at a high level.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, said, "I'm so competitive that many times I forget what I've achieved as it gives me motivation to do more and be better every year. I think that is the difference with others. Somebody else in my position would have left football 10 years ago. I continue with that passion. I'm different.
"I could honestly end my career now and I wouldn't have any regrets.
"It would be a pity, however, because I'm still very well, I still make a difference. I can continue making a difference for one or two years more."
On the topic of reaching 1,000 career goals, the Portuguese superstar was realistic about his chances, while remaining optimistic.
"It would be great, but if it doesn't come, I'm already the player in history with the most goals. To score goals is the best sensation in the world and the most difficult thing in football."
Al Nassr manager Stefano Pioli gave no indication Ronaldo will be leaving the club any time soon.
"What Cristiano is doing in football, what he has done, what he will do, will remain in history.
"He takes care of his physique, his preparation, and the game in an obsessive way as if he were 20 years old and always wanting to prove everything to everyone. He is a champion with an incredible mentality."
In December, Marca reported Ronaldo could look for a 'new challenge'. Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr expires in June 2025, though with his enormous salary expectations, options are bound to be limited unless he takes a massive pay cut.
His second stint at Manchester United showed he can no longer start for teams with top-six ambitions around Europe's top-five leagues. Teams lower down their respective tables will not be able to meet Ronaldo's wage demands. While he might want to move on from Saudi Arabia, it seems like that's the best current fit for Ronaldo's ambitions.
If reaching the 1,000-goal threshold is significant for him, then he can continue to rack up goals in the Pro League. He can keep receiving record-breaking wages. There's no need to compromise.
Homecoming
Ronaldo could, of course, look for the romantic option and go back to where it all started. Sporting are flying high domestically, despite a poor run when Ruben Amorim departed for Manchester United.
Signing Ronaldo wouldn't necessarily help unless Viktor Gyokeres leaves in the summer transfer window. His presence could complicate things in the final third, though it would be hard to the hierarchy to turn down a return.
Back To The Premier League
After an acrimonious ending to his second spell with Manchester United, it seems very unlikely any Premier League club would take that risk. Ronaldo's ego might see him tempted to prove he can still perform in England, however, and some mid-table clubs might be able to talk themselves into it.
The circus that follows Ronaldo is distracting. It can also prove to be lucrative given the amount of attention the club suddenly receives.
An ambitious owner might wind a way to justify handing over tens of thousands of pounds per week to Ronaldo if he is willing to take a substantial pay cut.
The most likely outcome is Ronaldo plays out his career in Saudi Arabia, while taking every opportunity to tell us how competitive the league is and what a wonderful country he has adopted as his new home.
