The 40-year-old’s contract at Al Nassr expires at the end of this month, and he appeared to indicate that he would be leaving the club after his final game of the season.

He posted to social media on Monday: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”

Marca reported earlier this month that Al Nassr were willing to offer Ronaldo a two-year contract extension, but it had not been signed and was ultimately withdrawn.

The Saudi Pro League side have not qualified for this summer’s Club World Cup, with rivals Al Hilal the only Saudi club to be competing in the new four-yearly tournament.

Now, according to Ben Jacobs, Ronaldo could complete a shock move – on never-before-seen terms.

He reports that a contract offer to Ronaldo in fact remains on the table, but could involve the 40-year-old joining Al Hilal on a one-month loan to cover the Club World Cup only.

In theory, Ronaldo could therefore accept an arrangement where he plays for Al Hilal for one month, before then deciding not to renew at Al Nassr and leave as a free agent – which is claimed to be one of the scenarios on the table.

Jacobs adds, however, that it is currently unclear as to whether the Portugal legend is ‘open’ to such a move. FIFA president Gianni Infantino put out an unorthodox plea last week, asking for clubs who were interested in ‘hiring’ Ronaldo for the Club World Cup to step forward. He told streamer i Show Speed: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.

“There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”