Cristiano Ronaldo: New television deal opens MLS door

Robin Bairner

• 19 Nov 2022 13:24 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United is set to be eased by a new television deal for MLS.

Ronaldo has made it clear that he wishes to leave the Old Trafford club imminently, with a January transfer liable to suit both parties after the Portugal international claimed he had been “betrayed” and “disrespected” by the Old Trafford side.

There are few options open to him in Europe. Chelsea had been mentioned as a potential destination as owner Todd Boehly is attracted to what Ronaldo could bring to the brand, but his Piers Morgan interview may have killed off that possibility.

MORE: Man Utd should have listened to Keane’s Ronaldo warning

Clubs in the USA, however, have been more receptive to the possibility of a move. Ronaldo has been linked with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, while LAFC have also been touted as a possibility.

The chances of such a deal occurring for the Portugal World Cup star, though, have improved with a new television deal for MLS.

Apple TV has elected to buy up coverage of the competition in the US for $250 million, which will give MLS’ franchises increased purchasing power.

With Ronaldo liable to leave as a free agent, franchises only need worry about covering his wages - still a big undertaking but something that is now more feasible.

Consequently, it has been suggested by i that a move to Miami is “a real possibility”. But with the Florida side having previously prioritised Lionel Messi, LAFC are coming increasingly into the picture.

MORE: Ronaldo, Havertz and the players who need a good World Cup to get a transfer

Will Ronaldo move to MLS?

Just how appealing these offers are to Ronaldo is not yet clear. The 37-year-old has made it known that he still believes that he has the capacity to play at the very top level and is targeting a transfer to a club that still has the possibility of challenging for the Champions League.

What does seem apparent, though, is that after Ronaldo’s Piers Morgan interview, the rift between himself and Manchester United is too great to fix and that a January departure is virtually inevitable.