Why Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea could be a win for everyone
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 23 Oct 2022 12:04 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea may capitalise on the turmoil between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United by offering the Portuguese star an escape route in January.
Ronaldo missed the draw between the two sides after being dropped by Erik ten Hag for walking out on United during their recent win over Tottenham.
The 37-year-old has been a frustrated figure after finding himself on the bench for the majority of the season and the recent indiscipline could all but end Ronaldo’s career at Old Trafford.
SO LONG, FAREWELL: Man Utd don’t need Ronaldo, claims Neville
Ten Hag insisted that Ronaldo remains an important member of the first team but United have considered terminating the forward’s contract or allowing him to leave for free in January.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly was keen to sign Ronaldo in the summer but the move was blocked by then-manager Thomas Tuchel, however new boss Graham Potter may be more receptive to a move.
A report in Sunday World claims Chelsea are ‘tempted’ by a move for Ronaldo, with a short-term deal possible and the player even considering taking a paycut on his current salary to force an exit.
WHERE NEXT?: Ronaldo’s January options
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Why Ronaldo to Chelsea makes sense
Although Chelsea have enjoyed a bright start under Potter – unbeaten in eight games since he arrived – they have scored just 16 Premier League goals so far this season, the joint-lowest out of the teams currently in the top seven.
Raheem Sterling is still Chelsea’s top scorer this season despite grabbing just one goal in his last nine appearances and the Blues may benefit from bringing in a proven player like Ronaldo.
While Ronaldo is certainly not the player he once was, his record is undeniable and his 18 Premier League goals last season is more than any Chelsea player has managed since Diego Costa in 2016/17.
Chelsea were also intrigued by Ronaldo’s commercial appeal when considering him in the summer and a short-term spell could be the perfect opportunity to build on Boehly’s attempt to grow Chelsea’s global reputation.
For Ronaldo, the move would be an ideal way for him to continue playing at the highest level, compete in the Champions League and potentially motivated to show United and Ten Hag what he can still do.
United, meanwhile, would relish a smooth and speedy departure for Ronaldo in order to avoid any negativity disrupting their momentum under Ten Hag, even if it may strengthen their rivals in the process.
Any move will likely not be discussed until after the World Cup but Ronaldo’s strop may have inadvertently helped ignite a move that could potentially be a rare win for all parties.
