Football Transfer News: Do Europe elite clubs snub Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cristiano Ronaldo has surprisingly made the headlines during the ongoing summer transfer window. The Portuguese, who joined Manchester United for his second spell in 2021, are eager to leave Old Trafford
Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Juventus FC is challenged by Lionel Messi of FC Barcelonadue to their failure to reserve a spot in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Champions League. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner does not have suitors for the 2021-22 campaign after some of the most elite clubs refused to offer him a deal. The news comes despite the Portuguese ace scoring 24 goals and registering three assists in his 38 appearances across all competitions last season.
Now that Manchester United finished sixth in the previous season of the Premier League, Ronaldo is bound to compete in the Europa League, an ordeal the striker is unfamiliar with. Ever since his first appearance against VfB Stuggart in 2003, he has played in the Champions League. However, it seems as if the 37-year-old might stay back at Old Trafford; the few clubs that can afford him have backed off from a possible deal.
Clubs from different leagues refuse to sign the Portuguese megastar
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain were linked with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. His Jorge Mendes was looking to offer the Portuguese to the Qatari-owned club. However, PSG declined the offer because the club didn't see him as a profitable asset, considering they already have Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar in their lineup. His whopping salary also prompted the Parisians to dismiss a possible deal. Ronaldo earns around £500,000 per week at United, so PSG are not keen on extending their payroll.
Not only PSG but Bayern Munich also refused to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo was expected to move to the Allianz Arena after Robert Lewandowski departed the club this summer. The 37-year-old was among the list of possible targets that could replace Lewandowski. However, Bayern's club director Hasan Salihamidzic has dismissed such claims stating that the Bavarians don't want him. Ronaldo's salary and age are said to have guided Bayern's decision. In addition, Chelsea has also been linked with several top stars, including Ronaldo. The Blues want a suitable goal poacher after Romelu Lukaku's loan transfer to Inter Milan.
Blues owner Todd Boehly's desire to sign Ronaldo met with failure
The Blues club owner Todd Boehly consulted with Jorge Mendes to discuss sending the Portuguese to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, the West Londoners forfeited their interest in the United ace after discussions with head coach Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea is now eyeing other deals, and Tuchel does not want to invite Cristiano. Although Tuchel wished to consider the 37-year-old, he wasn't a priority. Meanwhile, Ronaldo's former club Madrid have also excluded themselves from the bid. He played nine seasons at the Bernabeu after joining United in 2009 and scored 446 goals in 436 games across all competitions.
Interestingly, Los Blancos have already given £85m to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco, along with ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, who took a free transfer. Now, it seems as if Ronaldo is not needed by the few elite clubs that could afford him. At this rate, he might have to stay back with United if none of the clubs places any offer.
Follow all of today's Football matches on our Live Match Centre