Who will sign Cristiano Ronaldo?
FT Desk
- 24 Oct 2022 10:25 CDT
- 4 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be living on borrowed time at Manchester United.
The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star has barely featured this season under Erik ten Hag, and when he has taken the field he has looked a shadow of his usual self.
Questions over Ronaldo's attitude have also estranged him from the Red Devils, most recently when he stormed down the tunnel before full-time during their 2-0 defeat of Tottenham.
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Now the striker is widely expected to leave United if a suitable offer comes in, having missed out on the chance to depart over the summer transfer window.
But where would Ronaldo like to play next; and just as pertinently, who would be prepared to pay up for the veteran striker after his struggles this season?
Where does Ronaldo want to play?
Ronaldo has kept almost total silence over his future since the summer.
The star has shied away from talking to the press, with a handful of short messages transmitted on social media the only hints towards his current mindset and preferences.
Behind the scenes, though, there have been plenty of hints with regards to his future, with a steady stream of media reports steering him towards various apparently interested clubs.
One of the most successful players in Champions League history, Ronaldo's obvious preference would be to find a team that are still involved in that competition come May and thus give him the opportunity to fight for a sixth title.
Ronaldo would also be keen to maintain his current wage level, estimated at around £500,000 per week.
Who wants Ronaldo?
Finding a team that fulfils those requisites and are also interested in the 37-year-old may prove difficult, though.
The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain were all linked with Ronaldo over the summer but decided against a deal, while Atletico Madrid and Barcelona appear impossible options given his long association with the Blancos.
Of those teams Chelsea may be the most feasible switch, with new owner Todd Boehly said to be a huge fan of the veteran.
Former boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly vetoed that move and Graham Potter is ambiguous over the prospect of signing Ronaldo, preferring several alternatives to bolster his slim strike-force.
Will Ronaldo stay in Europe?
A club in MLS or the middle east might be the most viable choice for Ronaldo at this point.
Indeed, one of the few concrete offers for his services this summer arrived from Saudi Arabia, and he would have a strong chance to preserve his current salary by moving away from Europe.
Ronaldo, however, believes he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and does not want to leave Europe at this point.
One possible option would be his first club Sporting, although such a move would require the striker to take a massive pay cut.
The star's mother recently admitted it would be a “dream come true” to see him back in Lisbon, and it would certainly be an emotional return for the Portugal international in the twilight of his career.
