Jorge Mendes' Ronaldo-Rafael Leao deal

FT Desk

14 Sept 2022 17:36 BST
3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Jorge Mendes did everything possible to find Cristiano Ronaldo a new club this summer, including setting up a deal which would have seen his client replace Rafael Leao at Milan.

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According to Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Mendes attempted to broker a deal in which AC Milan star Rafael Leao moved to PSG.

Once that transfer was completed, Mendes would have then taken Ronaldo to AC Milan to replace Leao.

Mendes also attempted to take Rafa Leao to Chelsea, who according to other reports actually tabled a €100 million bid for the Serie A 2021-22 Player of the Year.

Rafael Leao, Milan, 2022/23 — © ProShots

However, both of these deals failed to go through as Milan made it clear that they did not want to sign Ronaldo.

Indeed, the Rossoneri explained that their project centres around young players and that they did not want a 37-year-old, especially given the presence of the 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ronaldo wants to leave Man Utd

Ronaldo issued a transfer request to Man Utd in July, citing his desire to join a club that is in the Champions League and could challenge for major trophies.

Ronaldo also chose not to go on tour with Man Utd during the summer, citing family reasons.

He did not begin training again until the last week of pre-season, playing just one friendly match against Rayo Vallecano – a game he caused controversy in by returning home while the match was still ongoing.

His agent Jorge Mendes offered him out to numerous clubs around Europe – including Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Roma and Napoli - without finding a taker.

Ronaldo has started from the bench for the last four games for Man Utd and is yet to score or assist this season so far.

He is still expected to leave the club in January providing Mendes can find him a team.