Ranked: Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential next move

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most famous athlete always attracts the limelight; be it for his record-breaking performances, extravagant lifestyle or as is the case currently- his transfer speculation.

The 37-year-old has gone AWOL (Away On Leave) from Manchester United’s pre-season training after reports of his desire to leave became public. Manchester United insist that the player is not for sale, but reading between the lines tells a different story altogether. Although Ronaldo is bound by a two-year contract that ends in 2023, no level of persuasion or contractual obligation could bind a player like him once he makes up his mind. 

The Portuguese captain wishes to play Champions League football and is looking for a move since Manchester United failed to qualify for it this season. Although he has not revealed the name of the club he wishes to play for, certain links have been made for his potential transfer. Let’s look at the possibility of Potential Ronaldo transfers. 

Ronaldo to Chelsea

Having waved the stormy seas of sanctions and sale of the club, Chelsea have arrived at a rather stable beach. The United States billionaire Todd Boehly bought the club for £4.25 billion after months of speculation and is looking to win over Chelsea fans with a statement signing. Currently without a striker, after the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea are in the market for a quality number nine. 

They have the money and they have a resurgent ambition after a change of owner, so a Ronaldo move to Chelsea looks possible. Cristiano Ronaldo would get the opportunity to play in the Champions League for a club that won the coveted Cup recently in the 2019-20 season. 

Possibility of Ronaldo to Chelsea: 5/10

Ronaldo to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich, the German giants already have a world-class number nine in Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international however has publicly shown desire to move to Barcelona and transfer negotiations are already going on between the two clubs. 

As they have already signed the £35m Sadio Mane, it looks unlikely that Ronaldo who earns £480,000 per week, or £24,960,000 a year would be paid the same amount at Bayern. Bayern however are one of the greatest football clubs with a massive history and would fit perfectly with Ronaldo’s desire to win another Champions League. 

Possibility of Ronaldo to Bayern- 4.5/10

Ronaldo to Real Madrid

Real Madrid, the Spanish club where Ronaldo was at his peak and won four Champions League trophies would be an ideal destination for the 37-year-old. The Laliga giants won the coveted trophy last year as well and could certainly win one again with Ronaldo at the helm. 

Real however have a well-settled playing XI with Karim Benzema playing miles better than how he did with Ronaldo (15 goals and one assist in Champions League 2021). Vinicius Junior has also started to perform well at the left-wing (Ronaldo’s preferred position at Real Madrid)  and Ronaldo’s inclusion will certainly disturb his rhythm. 

Recently his Portuguese teammate Jose Fonte came up with his own take on the matter. He said, “Would he go back to Madrid? That would be, for him, the best. He however also raised a much more important doubt, “If they want him back or not, that’s a different question.” 

Possibility of Ronaldo to Real Madrid: 4/10

Ronaldo to some other club

There are also a host of other big clubs where the legendary footballer could go. He could for example move back to Juventus who recently signed his Real Madrid teammate Angel de Maria. Another possibility is for Ronaldo to end up at Barcelona if Barcelona keep lowballing for Lewandowski’s asking price.

Ronaldo could also go to PSG in a move that would certainly break the internet. A chance to watch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play together would certainly dimmish the pain of COVID and inflation to many. 

Ronaldo could also go to some new club altogether that no one would have expected, the likes of recently bought Newcastle or even PSG if Neymar moves out. 

Possibility of Ronaldo to some other club: 3/10

Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United

This transfer speculation however could also end in boredom for all and Ronaldo could end up staying at Manchester United for one more year. Manchester United have appointed new coach Erik ten Hag to get them back to their best after they failed to qualify for the Champions League last year. 

Ronaldo scored 24 goals in the 2021-22 season despite other Manchester United players performing poorly around him; a player like him would certainly be instrumental to Ten Hag’s plan for the future. 

Possibility of Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United: 5/10