Report: Chelsea may now try sign player in January called ‘sensational’ by Potter, decision could be made next week
Chelsea may reportedly be interested in trying to sign Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
Ronaldo, 37, has been at the centre of the media’s attention during the last few days.
The Portuguese attacker refused to come off the bench against Tottenham in midweek, confirmed by Erik Ten Hag. Therefore, he was left out of Man United’s match day squad on Saturday for the 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea.
With so much discussion in the game about the player’s future, an eye-catching transfer rumour was published last night.
Chelsea interested in Ronaldo
According to the Sunday World, Chelsea could be ready to reignite interest in signing Ronaldo after being contacted by the player’s representatives in the summer.
It is understood that the Blues are now tempted by trying to sign the global superstar in the New Year, who’s someone the owners liked the idea of bringing in last summer.
The report claims Stamford Bridge is emerging as one of his more likely destinations, with his stunt against Spurs likely to lead to his exit from Old Trafford in January.
Apparently, Man United and Ronaldo plan discussions in the next 48 hours to try sort out his future.
The Sunday World’s report further adds the player may be willing to take a pay-cut on his current salary to join another club.
A final decision on Ronaldo’s future may even be made as early as next week, too. There’s a chance his contract in Manchester could even be terminated.
Finally, the breaking transfer news says a deal has been floated around Chelsea signing the Man United outcast on a short-term deal, with an option to extend for a second season if all parties are happy.
Please don’t
Every Chelsea fan knows there is always drama around the Bridge, but surely the club doesn’t need the extra chaos of Ronaldo turning up midway through the season.
His latest action at Man United, punished by Ten Hag, is a deterrent enough, which is before you even consider the financial element and what he could still offer on the pitch.
Described as “extraordinary” last month by Ruben Neves, Ronaldo can still produce individual moments of magic. It would be a big shame if Graham Potter’s Chelsea do go down this path, though.
One alarming point to note is that ESPN recently claimed Potter’s arrival at Chelsea could mean there’s more chance of signing Ronaldo because it was former boss Thomas Tuchel that lobbied against signing the Man United forward in the summer.
Chelsea boss Potter actually described Ronaldo as “sensational” as recently as May when he came up against him as Brighton boss. He said: “I have been so impressed with him. How he’s played, how he’s helped his team. He’s scoring goals, his movement is sensational.”
Most of the footballing world absolutely loves Ronaldo the player for what he’s achieved as one of the all-time greats. However, bringing him into your dressing room given the entire package that comes with the veteran striker is just too much.