Cristiano Ronaldo informed Manchester United of his desire to continue his career elsewhere should a good offer come his way.
Last week, Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly to discuss a potential bid, with Bayern Munich also informed of Cristiano’s situation. In Italy, where Ronaldo wore the Juventus shirt for three years before returning to United, there is a certain interest from Napoli. But is United ready to let him go? Not really. Ronaldo has been the team’s main provider last season and, despite the lackluster campaign the Red Devils went through, the Portuguese had pleasing numbers. He was the team’s top scorer with 24 goals across all competitions, as he fought until the later stages of the season to maintain hope among the United faithful.
Cristiano has 12 months left in his deal at Old Trafford and new United boss Erik ten Hag intends to make use of his star as much as possible. Ronaldo will turn 38 next February but is still in top physical shape.
According to The Athletic, United’s view is that Ronaldo is not for sale this summer. CR7 is looking to challenge for trophies and play in the Champions League, where Man. Utd. will not feature next season after only finishing sixth in the Premier League.
Cristiano isn’t convinced that progress will come United’s way after Ten Hag’s appointment, with no transfer confirmed after the Dutchman’s arrival. The club is hoping to add Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona next week, while also negotiating with free agent Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.
Is Ronaldo really on the move? Here’s what the bookies predict for his future
Odds place Bayern Munich at the top of the favorites list to land Ronaldo this summer. The Bavarian giants sit at +190 to sign the five-time ‘Ballon d’Or’ winner. Chelsea follows at +500, with Real Madrid, where Ronaldo played between 2009 and 2018, currently at +350. A switch to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma is at +650, with all other options considered marginal. Paris Saint-Germain is at +1200, former club Juventus at +1400, just like Sporting Lisbon, his first professional club. A move to Inter is at +2200, equaling a shock transfer to Manchester City.
Man. Utd. is at +125 to finish inside the top four Premier League clubs next season, behind City, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Chelsea. The managerial change did little to get United more confidence from the bookies. United is at +2500 to win the Premier League title in 2023.