Cristiano Ronaldo could still play Champions League football this season, despite failing to find a new suitor this summer. Chelsea are reportedly open to facilitate a move for the 37-year-old forward in the winter transfer market. The Blues had already held talks with Ronaldo to sign him last month, as their new owner Todd Boehly was keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea’s then manager Thomas Tuchel opted against the acquisition of the Portugal international as he felt the forward would ‘disrupt’ his system. But since Tuchel is no more in charge at the club, and Graham Potter has been appointed as the new gaffer Ronaldo’s hopes of securing a move to Chelsea have been refueled.
Chelsea to open negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo post FIFA World Cup
According to Fichajes, Chelsea are waiting for the FIFA World Cup to get over to open talks with Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be leading Portugal in the competition. Boehly is eager to land the Man United forward as he plans to make him the focal point of Potter’s project at Stamford Bridge. While Tuchel kept him from bringing the striker, Potter has reportedly given his green light to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s signing.
Cristiano Ronaldo went from scoring 24 goals in all competitions for United last season, to warming the bench this season under new manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has named his star forward only twice in the starting line-up in seven games so far in all competitions. He is yet to open his scoring account as well this season.
Frustration has only mounted on the Portuguese, who could change sides at first opportunity in January if Chelsea come calling. Since the Champions League asks the 16 teams who qualify for the knockouts to submit new squads post the January transfer market, Ronaldo could feature in the European competition if all he joins the Blues, if they themselves make the round-of-16.
Both Chelsea and United have lost their opening fixtures in their respective European competitions. The West Londoners lost to a low-key Dinamo Zagreb side, which happened to be Thomas Tuchel’s last game in charge. On the other hand, United were embarrassed at home by Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener despite Ronaldo in featuring in the starting line-up.
Chelsea are also readying an official bid to submit in the winter market, adds the report from Fichajes. It was earlier reported that United were willing to let go their £13 million signing from last summer for a mere fee of £15 million. However, none of the Europe’s elite clubs in Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Sporting Lisbon who were interested alongside Chelsea opted to finalize a deal.
However, given the Blues have reignited their interest Ronaldo is also expected to do everything in order to seal his exit. The upcoming FIFA World Cup could be the Portugal captain’s last ever chance to add the only missing trophy from his cabinet as he would then aspire to spend the twilight years of his career in the UEFA Champions League.