Ronaldo issues transfer request: Three EPL clubs who need him
FT Desk
- 22 Aug 2021 17:12 BST
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a transfer request to leave Juventus before the end of the transfer window – so who needs him?
The big news in Italy on Sunday was Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly issuing a transfer request to leave Juventus.
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Sky Sport Italia, the biggest media company in the country, revealed the news on Sunday afternoon after Ronaldo was left out of Juventus’ starting XI against Udinese.
Cristiano was officially dropped for technical and tactical reasons, but Sky reported that he had specifically requested to be left out because he wants to leave the club.
So far there have been no official offers for Ronaldo, with his astronomical €60 million-a-year salary putting off suitors in this Coronavirus climate.
But which clubs – who need a striker - could realistically sign him before the end of the transfer market?
Man Utd
The romantic option would be Manchester United. Ronaldo made his name at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals and winning three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
United have spent heavily this summer on Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, but many feel they still lack a world class number 9.
Anthony Martial showed once again on Sunday against Southampton that he is not right for this role, while Edinson Cavani can’t play every week at 34.
Ronaldo would be popular with fans and bring guaranteed goals and a winning mentality.
Man City
Man City are desperate to sign a natural striker and have been negotiating to buy Harry Kane from Tottenham all summer.
Kane wants to make the move but the talks are making little progress as Tottenham owner Daniel Levy is quoting prices that even Man City are not prepared to pay.
With few alternatives available, could City go for Ronaldo?
It would upset the red half of Manchester but it would be fascinating to see Ronaldo pair up with Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal
Perhaps the most unlikely option but, despite being Europe’s highest spenders, the environment around Arsenal is filled with doom and gloom.
As of writing, they have still not scored this season and on course for the second successive defeat of the new campaign against Chelsea.
Arsenal are looking for a striker, with the club willing to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leave.
Ronaldo would fit the bill, bringing some much-needed experience to a young team. But it is highly debatable he would be prepared to join the club given they are not even in Europe.
