Cristiano Ronaldo is frequently referred to as "Mr. Champions League" for a reason as he holds the records for most appearances (183), most goals (140) and most assists (42) in the tournament’s history. He has never played in any other of UEFA’s club competitions other than the most prestigious Champions League. However, Ronaldo will have no choice but to participate in the Europa League if he plays for Manchester United next season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer football transfer 2022 has been one of the hot topics this summer as he wants to leave his current club. What will be Ronaldo’s most likely new club if he indeed leaves the Red Devils this summer? The Portuguese superstar Ronaldo’s five potential moves are discussed in this article.
Summer Football Transfer 2022: 5 prospective destinations for Cristiano Ronaldo
A footballer of Cristiano Ronaldo’s caliber deserves to play in Europe’s elite club competition. Besides, his performance with Man Utd last season was impressive enough to attract clubs who could offer him Champions League football. Having said that, not many clubs can afford his astronomical salary. At 37, he is still one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. This seems to be one of the main stumbling blocks for the top clubs in Europe to offer him a contract.
Another major issue is that Ronaldo is not as fast as he used to be a few years ago. However, 24 goals in 38 appearances for Manchester United last season proved that he is still a prolific goal scorer. So, Cristiano can offer a lot of goals wherever he goes, but no manager can count him as a runner. In other words, his work rate has slowed down in recent seasons. Therefore, some top clubs are not keen on bringing him to their respective squads. Here are five European clubs who will take part in the UEFA Champions League in the 2022-2023 season, which can sign Ronaldo for next season.
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Atletico Madrid
This was probably the last option for Ronaldo when he decided to leave Manchester United a couple of months ago. Cristiano Ronaldo is a Real Madrid legend, and his decision to play for one of their bitter rivals, Atletico Madrid, will undoubtedly raise eyebrows among Los Blancos supporters. However, Ronaldo playing for Atletico Madrid next season seems like a more realistic and possible option at the moment. If he lowers his current salary and Diego Simeone wants a pure hitman, then Ronaldo is still one of the best options in Europe. In addition, Ronaldo will boost Atletico Madrid’s global appeal through his star power.
Sporting Lisbon
At his current age, why not go back to where it all started? Sporting Lisbon could be another option for Cristiano if he wants to play in the Champions League next season. Many experts believe the Portuguese club is one of the options in the Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer football transfer 2022 saga. However, Sporting can’t afford Ronaldo’s wage and they may not even reach the knockout phase of the competition. Sporting will be delighted to have him in their squad. Ronaldo has to sacrifice a few things if he picks Sporting Lisbon as his next club.
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Bayern Munich
Cristiano’s preferred choice is Bayern Munich. Agent Jorge Mendes has offered Ronaldo to Bayern Munich, but they haven’t shown great interest in him. The German club is not so keen on bringing the soon to be 38-year old footballer to the club. Bayern decision makers believe Ronaldo doesn’t suit their system and they want a young, potent striker in their squad. There is still a possibility that Ronaldo may be signed by Bayern before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s new owner, USA-based Todd Boehly, wants a marquee signing to give a statement to the other Premier League clubs. He has a desire to sign superstar footballers like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo but needs to be approved by his club manager, Thomas Tuchel. According to multiple sources, Tuchel is particularly not keen on bringing either of the players to Chelsea. There is a concern that star players can spoil the harmony of the squad. Having said that, Ronaldo’s experience in Premier League football and his ability to score goals can’t be denied. Ronaldo moving to London to play for Chelsea is still a possibility.
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PSG
PSG may go for Cristiano Ronaldo if Neymar leaves the club this season. However, Neymar leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer transfer window is highly unlikely and complicated. Besides, Neymar is in the plans of PSG’s new head coach, Christophe Galtier. Therefore, Ronaldo’s chances to play for PSG in the 2022-2023 season are almost over. However, anything is possible until the final day of the transfer deadline.
Verdict
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t want to leave Europe for a new challenge. His main priority is always to compete in the Champions League competition. However, the financial aspect and age have become major issues to take Cristiano out of Manchester United. Besides, the chances of Ronaldo playing in the USA’s Major League Soccer or in any of Asia’s wealthiest clubs are absolutely slim. The Portuguese star will most likely stay with Man Utd next season if his agent fails to find a perfect suitor for him. The saga of Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer football transfer 2022 will continue until the deadline.