Cristiano Ronaldo latest: Star gets his Man Utd exit wish as former nemesis is convinced to make eye-catching transfer

Cristiano Ronaldo will soon get his exit wish at Manchester United and the chance to continue playing Champions League football after reports in Spain suggested a shock transfer is now on the cards.

The forward’s return to Old Trafford looks like being cut short after just one season. While he impressed on a personal level for United – scoring 24 goals in 38 games – question marks have been raised over his style of play. Indeed, there are many who suggest his refusal to track back has hindered, rather than helped, the Red Devils.

And after labouring to a sixth-placed finish, rumours have suggested he is looking to leave United this summer. To that end, one observer even suggests new manager Erik ten Hag will be secretly ‘buzzing’ the star reportedly wants out.

Publicly though, Ten Hag insists Ronaldo remains part of his plans. To that end, the new United boss has strongly refuted suggestions the veteran star will be sold.

However, rumours have persisted and Ronaldo has since been linked with a plethora of clubs. Indeed, the likes of PSG, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and now first club, Sporting Lisbon, have all been credited with interest.

Now though, reports in Spain claim a shock return to LaLiga could be on the cards.

Atletico Madrid chasing deal for Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese star undoubtedly enjoyed his best years in Spain with Real Madrid. During his nine seasons at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo scored a breathtaking 450 goals in 438 appearances. Winning multiple trophies, including two Primeira Liga titles and four Champions League, the player is, understandably, considered one of their all-time greats.

However, he may be about to stain that legacy if AS are to be believed.

They claim Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes have convinced Atletico Madrid to make a move following ‘contact’. They state coach Diego Simeone believes the 37-year-old can still do the business in LaLiga.

Furthermore, they state Siemone sees Ronaldo as a ‘market opportunity’ – much like he did with Luis Suarez back in 2020.

In addition, they claim Ronaldo ‘looks favourably’ on the move back to Madrid. Atleti – the 2021 LaLiga champions – present a genuine chance at winning trophies. And they can, of course, offer Ronaldo the Champions League football he continues to crave.

Long-regarded as a nemesis, Ronaldo is also reportedly ‘seduced’ by the notion of playing for Simeone.

The article claims Atletico, though, first need to raise around €40m in sales to finance such a deal, including his wages and a transfer fee.

However, sign him they would like and they are actively pursuing a deal.

Perfect option for Ronaldo

A move to the Wanda Metropolitano seems a perfect next move for Cristiano Ronaldo. As such – and if they can finance it – this is a move we can see happening.

Despite denials, his exit will give Ten Hag the funds to pursue a deal for Antony, while another central striker may also yet be targeted.

And AS are also adamant the transfer remains feasible. To that end, their report ends by stating: ‘Cristiano wants to leave Manchester United. Time is running and, as the days go by, the rumours about the star’s future are increasing.

Should Manchester United keep Cristiano Ronaldo?

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‘At the moment, the only sure thing is that he is still a United player. But it is not unreasonable to believe in a possible return of Cristiano to the Spanish League.

‘His club, for now, does not see it that way, but the player presses and Atleti, on the prowl, hopes that there will be movements at Old Trafford.’

United, meanwhile, are reportedly confident that signings four and five are about to land with a deal for Lisandro Martinez finalised.