Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to take a significant pay cut to join a Champions League contender, with his desire to try and win the competition again – or at least a major domestic title – the main motivation for his immediate future.
The Portuguese’s current contract sees him on a salary in excess of £500,000, with some sources insisting this actually translates to a deal worth over £700,000. However, Ronaldo is willing to cut that significantly, especially after initial attempts to scout potential suitors did not lead to serious interest.
Most clubs balked at the prices that would be involved, but also had concerns about what Ronaldo’s style could mean for their teams. Such is the 37-year-old’s will to challenge for the Champions League in the final years of his career that he is prepared to make significant compromises to go to a club that would give him that chance.
Among the preferred options are Chelsea, Bayern Munich and – much less likely – Paris Saint-Germain, with the hope that the player’s willingness to adapt could prompt the clubs to move.
Despite all the debate over the Manchester United link, Ronaldo is not keen on a move to rivals, although it remains to be seen how the club would consider a potential move to Chelsea should it become an option.
However, his career at Old Trafford is not quite past the point of no return, and much will depend on his eventual first face-to-face meeting with Erik ten Hag. The player was given permission to miss practice on Monday as it was the new coach’s first day with the team.
There is also the possibility that a lack of suitors leaves Ronaldo with no viable options and means he has to stay anyway.
Roma are currently considered unlikely and are in the Europa League, while Napoli have already publicly reduced interest. The latter did qualify for the Champions League, but must sell to buy.
That’s all the reason why Ronaldo’s willingness to cut back on the demands could turn things around, as this has quickly become one of the biggest stories of the summer.
Some close to the situation wonder if Bayern could become a late option, although that depends entirely on the Robert Lewandowski situation. While the Pole is still believed to be certain to go to Barcelona, the German champions could resist a second signing of an over-28 player after already bringing in Sadio Mane. Again, though, we hope the ease of the deal can prove convincing.
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