Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea free transfer can't be ruled out

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 10 Jan 2023 17:52 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, but there is still a chance the former Manchester United man will move to Chelsea.

Ronaldo was released by Man Utd on the eve of the World Cup after giving an explosive interview to Piers Morgan in which he slammed the Glazer family's ownership of the club, manager Erik ten Hag and more.

He left "by mutual consent" soon after, and has since been linked with host of teams, with the most concrete offer coming from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr, who have offered the Portuguese and overall package worth €500 million.

READ: ‘Done Deal’: Ronaldo signs €200m deal with Al-Nassr

Ronaldo is understood to be keen to extend his career in Europe, however, and ideally wants to be given the platform to add to his record 140 goals in the Champions League. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano thinks a move to Stamford Bridge can't be ruled out.

"Al Nassr's bid is official and concrete, they are pushing, and they want Ronaldo so that's why they have a chance," he wrote in his daily briefing for Caught Offside. "Of course on Ronaldo's side they still hope to find a solution in Europe, the market can change in five minutes for a free agent.

'Ronaldo is always a good idea'

"On Chelsea, I think Cristiano is always a good idea, he could give them a goal threat and great experience and winning mentality, but their project is more about young players right now."

READ: Five Chelsea alternatives to Rafael Leao

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has indeed tried to implement his "Vision 2030" since succeeding Roman Abramovich at Stamford Bridge - the signing and cultivation of young players who would remain assets by the end of the decade - but a move for Ronaldo can’t be precluded.

Boehly wanted to sign Ronaldo when the player was still on United's books in the summer, the 37-year-old's marketing power as much as his on-field prowess appealing to the American. Ronaldo was a point of contention between Boehly and Thomas Tuchel, and Tuchel was sacked as manager soon after.