Cristiano Ronaldo transfer news – next club odds: Chelsea favourites but £62m Saudi Arabia deal offered, Newcastle 15/2
CHELSEA are now leading contenders to sign Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve altered their betting market following Ronaldo’s sensational Manchester United exit.
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The Blues were available at 4/1 to clinch Ronaldo’s signature on a free transfer during the January window.
But they’re now favourites at 5/2 after a significant odds reduction.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has previously shown interest and held discussions with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes over the summer.
Axed manager Thomas Tuchel vetoed the proposal, but it could be a different story with Chelsea struggling for goals and Graham Potter now in charge.
However, a serious contender has emerged in the shape of Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, who are priced at 3/1.
CBS Sports claim they’ve offered Ronaldo a three-year deal worth a colossal £186million – that’s £62m every 12 months.
But it’s unclear where Ronaldo’s priorities lie having turned down a proposal from Al-Hilal last summer worth more than £125 million per year.
A return to Portugal with Sporting Lisbon is the next most likely scenario at 7/2.
Ronaldo’s mum Dolores Aveiro has always predicted her son would return to the José Alvalade Stadium, where he netted five goals in 31 appearances in 2012/13.
However, meeting Ronaldo’s financial demands could be an issue for the Portuguese outfit.
A move Stateside with any MLS club is offered at 15/2, locked together with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
European heavyweights Bayern Munich (9/1), Real Madrid (10/1) and Napoli (12) are ahead of Jose Mourinho’s Roma (16/1).
Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester City are outsiders in the betting market, both priced at 25/1.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club
Betfair odds
- Chelsea – 5/2
- Any Saudi Arabian Club – 3/1
- Sporting Lisbon – 7/2
- Any MLS Club – 15/2
- Newcastle – 15/2
- Bayern Munich – 9/1
- Real Madrid – 10/1
- Napoli – 12/1
- Roma – 16/1
- PSG – 20/1
- Atletico Madrid – 25/1
- Arsenal – 25/1
- Manchester City – 25/1
There’s been a seismic fallout to Ronaldo’s explosive interview with presenter Piers Morgan.
In the TalkTV interview, Ronaldo spoke of being betrayed and disrespected by the club, while also accusing the Glazer family of not caring about what happens on the pitch.
He also revealed that manager Erik Ten Hag and others in the club’s hierarchy are trying to force him out.
The damage between the two parties looked to be irreparable, and United’s statement confirms that Ronaldo has played his last game for the club.
They wrote in an official statement: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
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Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: “Following conversations with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.
“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.
“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”
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