Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way back to English Premier League side Manchester United after reports on Friday that he has made an “irreversible decision” to leave the Spanish team. After eight season a Ronaldo Manchester United reunion could be on the cards.
Ronaldo had been reportedly linked to moves in North America’s Major League Soccer and China’s Chinese Super League, but those reports were seen as ludicrous at the time. But those reports may not be as off base as previously thought.
However, sources in Portugal indicated that Ronaldo is very unhappy with the treatment he has received from Spanish tax officials, who claim the player owes €15 million in taxes. Spanish authorities believe Ronaldo has defrauded Spanish taxpayers, and want to see him punished similar to Lionel Messi in the summer of 2016.
On the back of authorities’ claims Ronaldo defrauded the Spanish public, it is claimed the player has spoken with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, and told him he wants to be sold this summer. Perez hopes things can be smoothed over once the dust settles, and the Spanish giants are not yet thinking about life with out Ronaldo.
Ronaldo Manchester United Link
Portuguese media outlet A Bola made the claims on Friday that Ronaldo could leave Spain, and many believe Ronaldo could return to Manchester United by the end of the summer.
Although Old Trafford and a reunion with Jose Mourinho seems a likely destination for Ronaldo, big spenders Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs on the situation. PSG have long been interested in attracting the European Cup winner, and his addition could finally see the Parisians win the Champions League.
If Ronaldo does leave, one English media source reported that it could cost a club around £350m in transfer fees and salary. That amount limits the number of clubs the player could sign with. A Ronaldo Manchester United or PSG deal could be likely simply due to the amount of money it would cost to sign the attacker.
Ronaldo’s signature would instantly change the make up of any club. One would have to believe whichever European club he signed with would become a favourite to win their domestic league and, possibly, a European cup. That is, if Ronaldo stays in Europe. With several teams interested in his signature in China, there is always the option he could move to the Far East.