Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United this summer, just one year after returning to the Premier League. The Portuguese superstar has been linked with a move to United’s arch-rivals Chelsea, and German champions Bayern Munich.
According to the Times (subscription required), Ronaldo’s decision to leave is driven by his desire to play in the Champions League for the remainder of his career. United finished sixth last season, which will see them play in the Europa League next season.
Since moving to United in 2003, Ronaldo has played in the Champions League for 19 consecutive seasons and is the record goal-scorer with 140 goals in Europe’s premier club football competition.
Could we really see Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Chelsea? Stranger things have happened before.
United’s current state of affairs and lack of transfer activity has done very little to suggest that the club can be in a position to fight for Champions League qualification even next season.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met Todd Boehly last month, with reports suggesting that a move for the 37-year-old may have been discussed. Chelsea, however, are yet to make a formal approach.
Chelsea are currency focused on completing a deal for Raheem Sterling, with talks progressing well with Manchester City for the England international. Fabrizio Romano tweeted earlier today that Chelsea have a new meeting scheduled with City to close the Sterling deal.
Ronaldo could also be headed to Bayern Munich, should Robert Lewandowski complete a move to Barcelona.
Should Chelsea make a move for Ronaldo?
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record is phenomenal and borderline unbelievable. He has everything required and more, to be an instant fix for Chelsea’s attacking woes.
However, we have seen that he cannot adapt to a high-pressing system. He is a fantastic finisher, so maybe he can be utilised as a target man, but as a coach, you will need to take the burden of pressing for 90 minutes off his shoulders.
Ronaldo also will need to be okay with being on the bench if required, even during important games in order to allow Thomas Tuchel to alter his tactical approach when needed.
Bayern are also reportedly interested in Ronaldo, but any move from the Bavarian side is likely to arrive only after they finalise a sale for wantaway striker Robert Lewandowski. For now, it seems like Chelsea have an open goal. Will they take a shot? We shall see.
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