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As per reports, Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing a potential move to Atlético Madrid after asking for a transfer from his current club Manchester United. Reports further add that the deal is in motion but the biggest thorn in the deal for the Spanish club is the transfer fee and the player’s wages.
As per Atletico’s monetary situation, they must sell off players worth around 40 million dollars first to create the financial leeway. But the Los Colchoneros have some hope as the transfer window is still very young. Atletico manager Diego Simeone has expressed praise and appreciation towards the Portuguese striker both in public and private as had commented that he is a footballer who makes a difference.
The speculation about a move to Atletico Madrid has helped Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer saga find a new life as reports pointed out how he was rejected by other big clubs like Chelsea and German champions Bayern Munich. Hasan Salihamidzic, FC Bayern sporting director, was quoted saying, “I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career. But again, that wasn’t and isn’t an issue for us.”
Similarly, Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn said, "I love Cristiano Ronaldo, fantastic player but every club has a philosophy and I'm not sure if it would be the right signal for Bayern and Bundesliga if we sign him now. Such a move does not necessarily fit with our ideas."
But despite all these rumours, Manchester United is adamant about not selling Cristiano Ronaldo. The new Red Devils manager has expressed excitement about working with CR7 and when asked if it will be difficult to accommodate a player who only has one year left on their contract, Ten Hag said: “I am well informed, he also has also an option (of another year).”
“Yes (he could stay beyond this season), but to be honest, of course, I have signed here for three years, but in football, it’s short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don’t look that far ahead,” he said.