Cristiano Ronaldo: Every major club's transfer stance

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
• 5 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo is a free agent, with his contract at Manchester United terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most storied players in the history of the game, yet finding a new club promises to be a difficult task during the January transfer window.

A string of leading team have already distanced themselves from CR7, who pushed unsuccessfully to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Ultimately, it took an extraordinary interview from Ronaldo, which criticised many key figures at the club, to force their hand.

MORE: Man Utd save £15.5m with Ronaldo release

Cristiano Ronaldo: The state of play

Premier League

Manchester United

Released Ronaldo on 22 November after a long-running battle with the player.

Manchester City

Although Pep Guardiola tried to sign Ronaldo from Juventus in 2021 before the striker plumped dramatically to move back to Old Trafford. With Erling Haaland banging in the goals, there's no need for Cristiano at the Etihad.

Liverpool

Like City, Liverpool have added a big-money centre-forward this season in the form of Darwin Nunez. Ronaldo does not fit into their philosophy either.

Chelsea

The likeliest of the Premier League's biggest clubs to take an interest in Ronaldo, owner Todd Boehly considered the player in the summer but did not make a move after Thomas Tuchel, then manager of the club, said he was not interested in him. The manner of the player's Man Utd exit, though, must be off-putting.

Arsenal

Top of the league and looking good, Arsenal are a little short of firepower, yet with the squad nicely balanced, a move for Ronaldo looks a long shot.

Tottenham

Harry Kane's presence means that Ronaldo is surplus to requirements. The player has hinted that he might be interested in a move to London, so if the England captain's ankle injury proves significant, there may be scope for a short-term deal. Again, a long shot.

La Liga

Real Madrid

Ronaldo has reportedly offered himself to Real Madrid following an injury to Karim Benzema. Los Blancos do not appear to be interested in another spell at the club for their record scorer.

Barcelona

It would be a sensational move, but with Robert Lewandowski on board, it's not one that will happen.

Atletico Madrid

Strongly linked with a move for Ronaldo in the summer, Atletico Madrid's financial position means any January deal is improbable. Could be one to watch in terms of rumours, though.

Bundesliga

Bayern Munich

No centre forward of note and did discuss a possible summer move, but again Bayern are distancing themselves from a deal.

Borussia Dortmund

With Sebastien Haller yet to play due to illness, Ronaldo could be seen as an option for BVB. His wages will make any deal difficult, while he is not the type of player typically seen at Dortmund.

Ligue 1

PSG

Already have a galaxy of attacking stars on their roster and have publicly stated they are exiting a “bling-bling” era of signings. Ronaldo will not be teaming up with Lionel Messi any time soon.

Marseille

OM fans got #RonaldOM trending on Twitter in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Marseille would love a player of his talent, but a deal is a fantasy.

Serie A

Juventus

Offloaded Ronaldo in 2021 because they could not foot his wages. Even if Dusan Vlahovic is not particularly happy at the club, the striker will not return to Turin, where he departed in an unhappy manner.

Inter

Romelu Lukaku is back at San Siro and even if he is not performing as hoped, Inter have neither the space nor the budget or another No.9.

Milan

Ronaldo is said to have had a deal in place to go to Milan in 2018, but the Rossoneri cannot afford such a transfer now. Already have Zlatan Ibrahimovic on their books, albeit he is out injured presently.

Napoli

Were interested in Ronaldo in the summer but no move materialised. Top of Serie A and flying in the Champions League, it's unlikely they will feel the need to sign a player who will want to become central to an already well-balanced squad.