Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will be the subject of a second approach from Saudi Arabia if his future remains unresolved, according to reports. The Portuguese is believed to be keen on joining a Champions League club this summer, but with virtually no suitors, he could be forced to reconsider his options.
Ronaldo informed United he would like to jump ship last month. The Red Devils failed to qualify for the Champions League by finishing sixth in 2021/22, despite the best efforts of the veteran striker with 24 goals in all competitions.
At 37, Ronaldo clearly feels the final years of his career would be better spent in Europe’s top competition. Incredibly, he has featured in the Champions League for almost 20 consecutive years and is eager to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Although an unnamed Saudi club were unsuccessful in a lucrative approach that would have seen the Man Utd striker bank more than £2,000,000 a week over the next two seasons, CBS Sports claim the bid to manage -se in the Middle East will remain on the table until after the World Cup.
JUST IN: Man City could get revenge on Chelsea as ‘transfer fee’ for Thomas Tuchel target discussed
Having a replacement option could come in handy for Ronaldo, given that a host of top teams have pulled out of the race to sign him in recent weeks. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was reportedly against the idea, Bayern Munich boss Oliver Kahn said it would not fit the club’s philosophy and Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo , said striking a deal would be “almost impossible.”
In addition, Atletico fans held up a hostile banner at a recent pre-season match that read “CR7 NOT WELCOME”, with speculation about the former Real Madrid superstar dividing opinion.
DON’T MISS: England’s Euro 2022 heroine Chloe Kelly stumped by Richard Madeley during TV interview
“As players, you just want the situation to be fixed and fixed immediately,” United hero Rio Ferdinand told The Mirror. “You don’t want him to linger and drag, I think Harry Kane had that with Spurs last year.
“But I think the reasons are different. Cristiano, there have been problems behind the scenes with his family and his health and things like that. You have to take that into account. But if the reports are true, that he’s looking to move and what not , then you want the club to finish it so there’s no hangover in the season.”