Manchester United’s beleaguered striker Cristiano Ronaldo is open to another Italian transfer after being neglected by a string of Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
According to reports, the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to Italy with Napoli in the forthcoming January transfer window.
The Italian giants Napoli are reportedly yearning to make a potential January transfer move for the neglected Manchester United legend Cristiano but nothing official yet.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo had a troubled onset to the new season that ended in the Portuguese star getting banished from United’s first team for leaving the pitch before the final whistle against Tottenham.
The veteran forward has managed to appear in just two Premier League starts thus far this season, with United boss Ten Hag showing an apparent preference for the youngsters in the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been enduring a despicable period with United since this season began, with the five-time Ballon d’Or victor playing a less influential role under United coach Erik ten Hag.
However, a return to Italy would see the Portuguese forward have a second voyage in familiar territory, having spent three years with a Serie A club Juventus.
Sunsport reported that Ronaldo remaining in the Premier League Campaign is not certain and the most likely destination for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is now the Italian club, Napoli.
Sunsport report read: “Arsenal and Newcastle realize the quality he would bring in helping them to achieve their ambitions.
“But both clubs worry about the wider impact his arrival could have on the clubs.
“The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli was interested in Ronaldo over the summer and is still keen.
“Adding him to their squad is a step they believe will help in their aim to remain top of Serie A and to progress through the Champions League.
“But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is now in his final months of his deal at Old Trafford, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the ongoing season.
However, Manchester United has the option of initiating a 12-month contract extension, which is unlikely to happen, especially after the Portuguese forward fell down the pecking order under United boss Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo played no part in United’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and was made to train alone.
However, Ronaldo might not mind taking another pay cut to force through a move to Napoli.
Ronaldo had been receiving £480k-a-week when he returned to Old Trafford in 2021, but United’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League saw his salary slashed by 25 per cent, leaving him with just £360,000 weekly.
Meanwhile, Napoli’s current top earner, Poland international Piotr Zielinski, pockets £90k every week. With this, it remains to be seen if Napoli would be able to afford a close salary range of Ronaldo’s current wage if he eventually moves to the club in January.
What’s Next?
Manchester United will face Sheriff Tiraspol in their Europa League Campaign on Thursday, October 27.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United exile is likely to continue for Thursday’s clash with Sheriff Tiraspol unless the Portuguese shows some remorse and agrees to abide by Erik ten Hag’s rules.
Both Ronaldo and the coach are expected to have a meeting later today, October 25 to address their differences. The outcome of the meeting will determine if the 37-year-old Portuguese football icon will be included in United’s Europa League squad which will face Sheriff on Thursday.
