Cristiano Ronaldo to Sporting? Ex-club probably preparing transfer in January

Sporting Lisbon wants to make a concrete attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in winter. He reports that Mirror. Accordingly, the Portuguese club is willing to go to its financial limits in the race for the star striker from Manchester United.

Ronaldo is under contract with the English record champions until 2023, but has lost his regular place and recently made headlines when he refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and left the interior of Old Trafford prematurely. This is one of the reasons why the 37-year-old is expected to leave in winter. According to the report, the final decision rests with team manager Erik ten Hag.

United basically wants to keep Ronaldo despite his reserve role. According to the Mirror, the CR7 club would have to pay a severance package for a Sporting transfer. Then it would be up to the Portuguese to find an agreement with the attacker regarding his salary.

That salary should be a sticking point. Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim said a few days ago: “Everyone at Sporting dreams of Cristiano’s return, but we don’t have the money to pay his salary.” Ronaldo is a “great player,” the 37-year-old continued.

Sporting is currently fighting to advance in the Champions League. Before the last group match day, the club is in 2nd place in its group and has a place in the round of 16 in its own hands. In Portugal’s Primeira Liga, the capital club ranks fourth.

Ronaldo started his career at the Sporting Academy and switched to Manchester United in 2003 for around 19 million euros. This was followed by stints at Real Madrid and Juventus before the five-time world footballer returned to the Red Devils in 2021.