Pranav Nair
Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to extend his stay at Juventus
According to Italian publication Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Mirror), Manchester United have been handed a blow in their efforts to sign Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old, despite his age, remains one of the best players in Serie A. He led the scoring charts in the league last season and even picked up the MVP award for the best striker in the Italian top flight. He also currently leads the scoring charts at this summer’s Euros with five goals.
The Portugal international has one year left on his current deal at Juventus. He was expected to leave this summer in search of a final challenge. This led to the belief that he could return to Old Trafford, 12 years after leaving the club for Real Madrid. (h/t Mirror)
That, however, does not appear to be the case. According to the report, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is allegedly in talks with Juventus over a new deal for his client. That should keep him in Turin for another year.
Juventus director of football Federico Cherubini also admitted that he has heard nothing from the player regarding a potential exit. This would suggest that Ronaldo is not going anywhere, at least for another season.
This will come as a blow for United and Paris Saint-Germain both of who are keeping tabs on the player. While his abilities have waned a little, Ronaldo still has a couple of years left in him at the top level. In fact, he appears to be getting physically stronger with age.
According to the Italian outlet Cult of Calcio (h/t Mirror), United are so far the only side to make an offer for Ronaldo. The player currently earns £27m per year after tax in Turin. A return to Manchester will see him pocket just half of that.
Sentiment aside, it makes little sense for us to pay such an amount for a player past his prime. Having already secured Jadon Sancho, the Red Devils have already addressed their shortcomings on the right-wing. The cash earmarked for Ronaldo is better used elsewhere.
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Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo spent six years as a United player between 2003 and 2009. He helped the club to three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Club World Cup, and the FA Cup.
