Cristiano Ronaldo: Jorge Mendes wants forward out of Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, has been in talks with several clubs over a transfer for the Manchester United star.
A few weeks ago, Ronaldo was linked with a move to Bayern, though that never seemed realistic given the club's transfer policy.
The announcement of Sadio Mane from Liverpool also makes such a high-profile deal even less likely.
Since, La Gazzetta dello Sport have linked Ronaldo with a return to Serie A, this time at Roma.
The 37-year-old would like to reunite with his former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho in the Eternal City.
It is also added that Mendes’ excellent relationship with the club might help such a deal go through.
And, most shockingly, Ronaldo's agent met with Chelsea's new owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly last week.
The idea of a move to Stamford Bridge was reportedly discussed, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
The American billionaire is understood to have played a key role in negotiating Romelu Lukaku's season-long loan move back to Inter Milan, and the idea of signing Ronaldo as his replacement has reportedly been considered.
Why Ronaldo could leave Man Utd
United have been slow in the market this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag's arrival from Ajax the only deal Arnold has thus far been able to get over the line.
They have been linked with Brazil winger Antony - also from Ajax - but the fact that midfielder Ryan Gravenberch opted for Bayern Munich over reuniting with his former boss at Old Trafford speaks volumes.
Transfer window’s still long, things can change… but Manchester United are clear on Cristiano Ronaldo: he’s considered not for sale, no talks now ongoing to sell him. 🔴 #MUFC
Man United and Erik ten Hag both want Cristiano to stay and expect him to be part of the team. pic.twitter.com/pNylTktRNl— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2022
It stands in stark contrast to City and Liverpool, who have already secured blockbuster summer signings in Erling Haaland (€60m from Dortmund) and Darwin Nunez (€75m with a potential €25m in add-ons from Benfica) respectively.
Ten Hag might have different ideas to predecessors Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, but if United can't get their transfer business in order, City and Liverpool look set to pull clear once again next season.
If Ronaldo wants to remain at the top of the game, it might be time for him to find another project.
What Ronaldo has said about his future
Speaking to Man Utd’s official website in June, Ronaldo said: ''I was and still am very happy to be here, and what I have to say to the fans is they are amazing. Even when we lost games, they always support us, they always are with us. The supporters are always in my heart and it's the people that we all should respect because they are always on our side.
''For me, the most important thing is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup, but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. As I say before, sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.''