Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has received an incredible offer to play football in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this month, The Athletic revealed that the Portugal international wanted to leave Old Trafford. The strongest factor behind the decision was United’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League – a competition that Ronaldo has consistently played in.
Additionally, United’s No.7 wants to win trophies and currently thinks that the Red Devils will struggle to challenge for silverware. Ronaldo wants the club to allow him to leave if they receive an acceptable offer.
So far, Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have said that Ronaldo is not for sale. Despite the forward not travelling with his side for their pre-season tour, Ten Hag still has Ronaldo in his plans.
“We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season, and that’s it,” said the United boss via Sky Sports. “I’m looking forward to working with him. Cristiano is not for sale. “He is in our plans, and we want success together.”
Unfortunately, even United may have to look twice at the staggering offer coming from the Gulf Kingdom.
Cristiano Ronaldo receives huge offer from Saudi Arabia
These surprising reports initially came from the Portuguese media outlet CNN Portugal. They claim that a team in Saudi Arabia has offered a €300 million package for Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to Mais Futebol, the side will pay €30 million (£25 million) as a transfer fee, plus €20 million for negotiation payments to agents. The rest of the astronomical fund is for the player.
CR7 would have quite the payday should he decide to finish his career in the Gulf Kingdom. This unnamed side will pay the Portuguese icon €250 million (£210 million) across a two-year deal – netting Ronaldo £105 million yearly.
Money talks, but Ronaldo may be reluctant to leave Europe. However, there are not too many suitors currently in the running.
At the front of the queue is Premier League side Chelsea. They were one of the first teams to show interest in Ronaldo. New owner Todd Boehly even had a meeting with the Man United star’s agent.
Despite this, manager Thomas Tuchel has been reluctant about a move for CR7. In an interview with Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News), Tuchel claimed that a forward was not his side’s transfer priority.
Other teams have already ruled themselves out of a move too. Per ESPN, French champions Paris Saint-Germain turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo. Similarly, Bayern Munich have said that they have no plans to get the Portugal captain, and Real Madrid have shown minimal interest.
So, will Cristiano Ronaldo really switch Old Trafford for Saudi Arabia?
How likely is this move?
Ronaldo has had an insane amount of money thrown in his direction. He is also allegedly unhappy at the wage cut suffered via the club’s failure to finish in the top four. Meanwhile, United will likely not receive such a substantial offer for him too.
But this comes down to legacy.
Cristiano’s main reason for wanting to leave is a lack of Champions League football and the potential for trophies. Well, he will not get that in the Middle East, either. Ronaldo will likely have too much pride to accept a move to a non-competitive environment. After all, with 18 league goals last season, he proved that he can still perform at the top level.
If he goes to the Gulf Kingdom, football fans will question the real intention of Ronaldo’s desire to leave Old Trafford. Therefore, even the money may not be enough to convince CR7 from playing in Europe. Ultimately, this transfer still seems far-fetched.
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