Transfer News: Barcelona offered chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo amid Chelsea interest
In one of the most bizarre news of this summer transfer window, Barcelona are linked with Cristiano Ronaldo amid interest from Chelsea. This is according to Spanish outlet AS (h/t Manchester Evening News), who claim that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes had included the former Real Madrid man as an option for Barcelona during his meeting with Joan Laporta.
Ronaldo spent 7 years in Spain with Real Madrid is now linked with the club whose fan base were, in the mildest of terms, not the fondest of him. Last week, the Manchester United star communicated his decision to leave the club this summer.
He arrived last season from Juventus, but United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League and improve the squad this summer, coupled with Ronaldo’s desire to win more trophies, could see him leave this summer.
The Portuguese international managed to score 24 goals in 37 appearances for an underwhelming United side last season. United failed to win a trophy for the fifth successive season and look very likely to do a sixth next season.
This has created a conflict of interest between the two parties and also the fact that he has never played in the Europa League before in his career. Now, amid interest from Chelsea, he has been offered to Barcelona. Todd Boehly is said to be open to the move for the player, but the ultimate decision will lie with the coach.
Where would he fit in Tuchel’s side?
Thomas Tuchel is currently overseeing a squad overhaul at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are yet to make a signing this summer while seeing an exodus of senior players leave. Chelsea are said to be linked with many players such as Raheem Sterling, Raphinha, Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake are some of the names.
And now, Ronaldo has been added to the fray. It is no doubt that the Portuguese international would help solve the attacking woes of Chelsea. But Tuchel’s high-pressing system of play could be a hindrance to the player, who is known for his lack of high pressing. At 37 years old, that is very unlikely to change for Ronaldo.
He could be used as a target man as he is a phenomenal finisher and is equally good in the air. But at what price? Although, it won’t be an unwise move given Romelu Lukaku’s spell at Inter Milan.
The Belgian striker is off to Italy for the next season, and Ronaldo, at his age, could come in and plug the gap between now and next summer. Then, the Blues can take a more comprehensive decision on what they want to do with Lukaku and if they want a new number 9.
The owners would probably love to make such a name their first signing and the club’s PR and marketing team would have a field day if Ronaldo joined us.
More Chelsea News
- Transfer News: Barcelona want to lure Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso from Chelsea for €20M
- Chelsea make enquiry about Cristiano Ronaldo transfer situation at Manchester United
- Juventus reveal their stance regarding the transfer of Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt
As for the Chelsea fans, they would love for Ronaldo to be on their side rather than have the Blues come up against him, even if it is just a couple of times each season. What happens only time will tell, but this could be an interesting summer for the Blues.
