Following United’s worst ever Premier League season, it is a little surprising that CR7 wants to leave the red devils.
Here is a look at witch sides could offer Ronaldo a route out of United this summer:
5. Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo is a legend at Santiago Bernabeu and would be welcomed back with open arms. However, from a footballing standpoint at least, this one just does not make any sense. Karim Benzema is a far better player than Ronaldo these days, meaning the centre-forward spot is very much his. Shifting Vinicius Junior away from the left side could also tank his development just as he’s threatening to break into the world-class category this season. If they have any sense, Real will steer clear so as not to sully the memories. Likelihood rating: 1/10
4. Sporting CP
Ronaldo got his first big break at Sporting CP
This one is for the romantics out there…Rumours linking Ronaldo with a return to the club where it all began have followed him around in his recent career with Bruno Fernandes the latest player to encourage his current teammate to take the plunge before retirement. While it is easy to see CR7 succumbing to this idyllic narrative at some point, 2022 feels slightly too early for him to go back to Portugal. He will likely want another proper stab at a European trophy before then. Likelihood rating: 2/10
3. Paris Saint-Germain
Ronaldo being available will test Paris Saint-Germain’s apparent commitment to a team ethic to its absolute limit this summer. Although all of the signs coming out of Parc des Princes suggest PSG are hoping to move away from signing superstars, possessing the two most marketable players in the history of the game in the lead-up to the World Cup could prove too tempting for the Qatari owners to turn down. It wouldn’t work on the pitch of course, but frankly, who cares? Likelihood rating: 3/10
2. Bayern Munich
Can Julian Nagelsmann get the best out of Ronaldo?
Bayern Munich could be one ageing superstar short this summer if Robert Lewandowski is able to force through his move to Barcelona. This would open a spot up in the centre-forward position that Ronaldo would likely be open to filling. This option has a lot of things going for it. Not only has Ronaldo never played in Germany before, moving to Bayern would pretty much guarantee a domestic title and a decent shot of winning the Champions League. Likelihood rating: 5/10
1. Chelsea
Todd Boehly wants a statement signing
This may sound fanciful at first glance, but think about it a bit deeper and it starts to make sense. For starters Romelu Lukaku’s departure leaves Chelsea short up front and with a decent chunk of wage budget to spend. In addition, everyone knows that new owner Todd Boehly is looking for a marquee signing this summer and Ronaldo definitely fits the bill. United fans may hate it, but it’s not so hard to see Ronaldo strolling around west London next season.