- 6 hours ago
Mourinho eyes SHOCK Ronaldo reunion in 'deal of the century'
Suraj Radia
- 21 Nov 2024 17:30 GMT
- 3 min read
Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a stunning reunion after reports suggested the Fenerbahce manager was looking to sign the Al-Nassr star in January.
Turkish outlet fotoMac have claimed that Fenerbahce are aiming to line up ‘the deal of the century’, with Mourinho himself making a personal phone call to try and convince Ronaldo of a move.
The pair still maintain a strong relationship, having worked together at Real Madrid where Ronaldo enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career under Mourinho.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr: Goals, assists, results & fixtures
Mourinho is believed to have called Ronaldo to ask whether Ronaldo is still happy in Saudi Arabia, with the Portuguese manager asking the forward to come to Fenerbahce if he was considering an exit from Al-Nassr.
Al-Nassr are said to be open to Ronaldo’s sale, having failed to win the Saudi Pro League during his time at the club and with the 39-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
While a deal is described as ‘very difficult’, Fenerbahce have already made contact with Al-Nassr over a transfer, as well as Ronaldo’s agent, in the hopes of bringing the Portuguese legend back to Europe.
Ronaldo could be tempted by European return
Ronaldo remains one of the highest-paid players in the world and the veteran has been linked with a move to Al-Nassr’s rivals Al-Hilal, who lead the race for their fifth title in six years.
Remaining in Saudi Arabia could be the most lucrative option for Ronaldo, however a return to Europe could offer the ex-Manchester United star another opportunity to play in the Champions League.
STATS
Cristiano Ronaldo
F (C)
Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo
F (C)
Al-Nassr
Although Fenerbahce have fallen out of the Champions League into the Europa League this season, a top two finish in the Turkish Super Lig would see them qualify for Europe’s premier competition next year.
Ronaldo certainly wouldn’t be against extending his record as the top Champions League goalscorer of all time as he seeks to score another 90 times to reach 1000 career goals.
Signing Ronaldo could also calm tensions with Mourinho, who has already been critical of Fenerbahce since joining the club in the summer as they aim to end their 11 year drought without a league title.
