Shockwaves were sent around the world of football before a ball was even kicked at the World Cup after Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed on Manchester United during an interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo’s second stint at the Theatre of Dreams has been a mixed one, and his frustrations throughout this season have been glaringly obvious for those looking in from the outside.
However, according to Arabwinners.com a mega-money deal could reportedly be on the table for the Portuguese superstar, as Saudi club Al Nassr has reportedly offered the famous number seven a £344 million deal to play in the Saudi league for two years.
During his interview with Morgan, Ronaldo revealed that he turned down an eye-watering amount of money to move away from Old Trafford to join a Saudi club. However, his view may have changed over the past six months, and the 37-year-old may now be open to playing out his final two years at the top level in the Middle East.
There’s no denying that the money on offer is astounding, as the Ballon d’Or winner could reportedly sign a contract worth £344 million over two seasons with Al Nassr. The deal would make him comfortably the highest-paid player in the world of soccer, eclipsing what Lionel Messi is earning at PSG. Furthermore, it would make him the highest-paid sportsperson on the planet.
Many expected backlashed following Ronaldo’s controversial interview on the eve of the World Cup, and that finally came before the competition got underway. Manchester United announced that they had parted company with their legendary superstar, ending his return to the club after just 18 months. Many expected better things on the Portuguese superstar’s return to the Theatre of Dreams, but the Red Devils always appeared to be a team in progression, and Ronaldo was the man standing in the way of the young squad continuing to improve.
Erik ten Hag was reportedly not interested in having Ronaldo as part of his team for this season, and United’s stats are better without the Portuguese star. With Ronaldo starting, United has averaged nearly two points per game less. For many, this always seemed like the most logical outcome. United bosses were reportedly fuming earlier this season as Ronaldo stormed down the Old Trafford tunnel to make headlines despite the Red Devils producing their best performance of the season with a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. At least now, United can focus on building their squad for the future, and they are already among the favorites with the best online betting sites to make the top four.
A move to a Saudi Pro League club now appears to be the most likely destination for the former Real Madrid ace, but other clubs have been reportedly showing an interest. Saudi-owned Newcastle United was one of two Premier League clubs that showed an early interest in Ronaldo, but reports indicated that the Portuguese captain didn’t fit into Eddie Howe’s plans for the high-flying Magpies.
Chelsea was the other Premier League club interested in the former United ace, but they are already well-stocked in the final third of the field. Ronaldo was reportedly open to a return to Real Madrid to fill in for the injured Karim Benzema, but the reigning European champions didn’t entertain the move. The only other European club that was willing to make a move appeared to be Sporting Lisbon, but Ronaldo would need to take a massive pay cut in order to move back to his first professional team.
The only other move that could come near to matching what the Saudi club is offering is a potential transfer to the MLS. Inter Miami has been a long-time admirer of the Portugal superstar, but Thetimes.co.uk says David Beckham’s franchise appears to have its sights set on a mega-move for Lionel Messi in the summer.
There was great sadness when it was revealed that Ronaldo would be parting ways with Manchester United for the second time, but the move works well for all parties involved. Ronaldo will now look to get his final big contract in the professional game, and that could come with the Al Nassr.
However, turning his back on the European game is likely a difficult decision for the 37-year-old, as he always indicated his desire to play in the Champions League again. But, the free agent is expected to take his time with his decision, and any move isn’t likely to be announced until after the World Cup has reached its conclusion.
