Cristiano Ronaldo needed just four matches to claim the Golden Boot at a thrilling Euro 2020 this summer.
His five strikes were matched by the Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick and despite the quality of Schick’s goals vastly outweighing Ronaldo’s penalty-laden quintuple, the latter’s sole assist was enough to see him snatch the individual honour, further bolstering his international legacy.
While I’ve been somewhat critical of the all-time great and an advocate of Juventus removing the 36-year-old from their books this summer, his production remains undeniable. He’ll enter the 2021/22 campaign as the Capocannoniere holder following his 29-goal season last time out.
Questions, however, have emerged regarding Ronaldo’s future in Turin following the return of Massimiliano Allegri. It was thought that the club would struggle to retain the services of both Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala in the current financial context and with La Joya poised to be a protagonist in Allegri’s second project, Ronaldo’s future was swiftly thrust into doubt as he prepared for the Euros with Portugal.
Unsurprisingly, nothing was decided during the tournament but plenty was reported. There’s a lot to catch up on and here’s the latest regarding Ronaldo’s Juventus future.
Who are interested?
With just a year remaining on his Juve contract, clubs are hopeful of securing the 36-year-old in a cut-price deal this summer. PSG and Manchester United have been touted as potential destinations, with the former appearing the more likely.
Les Parisiens have been proactive in the window thus far, bolstering their backline with the additions of Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi, while adding midfield dynamism in the form of Gini Wijnaldum.
The French giants look stronger than ever and the Parisian project has supposedly caught Ronaldo’s eye. Foot Mercato (via ESPN) report that the 36-year-old could be open to a move to the French capital, with the presence of former Real Madrid teammates Keylor Navas and Angel Di Maria aiding PSG’s pursuit.
A sensational return to Manchester United, meanwhile, simply doesn’t appear financially feasible. The Red Devils have already secured the return of Edinson Cavani for another year and have finally wrapped up a big-money deal for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
Thus, as it stands, it looks like PSG or bust if Ronaldo was to move on this summer.
The view from Juventus
Fabio Paratici’s replacement Federico Cherubini was confident of Ronaldo remaining at the club beyond the summer. Cherubini recently said: “There has been no signal from Ronaldo. Especially the rumours that there should be a transfer and there’s no sign from Juventus in this regard.
“Last season he scored 36 goals in 44 games, the numbers don’t always say everything but hide many truths, we are happy that Ronaldo will join the team as soon as he has finished his holidays.
“I don’t have the crystal ball, but right now there are no signals regarding a possible transfer,” he added (via The Sun).
As Cherubini alluded to, Ronaldo enjoyed a holiday in Majorca with his family following Portugal’s elimination from the tournament.
Jorge Mendes, meanwhile, was supposed to meet with Juventus in a bid to resolve the current situation as his client soaked up the Meditteranean sun. However, it’s unclear whether any such meeting has taken place.
Juve’s confidence
Following a period of murkiness, Juventus’ desire to keep Ronaldo on their books for the 2021/22 season is distinct and the club seem confident that the 36-year-old will remain in Piedmont for at least another year.
Such confidence was emanated by Bianconeri utility man Danilo who, after waxing lyrical over his timeless teammate, said he was convinced Ronaldo will be at the club next season.
“Having him in the team is important for us because he brings an avalanche of goals, and besides, he’s a dear friend, we’ve known each other since Real Madrid.
“He’ll still be with us next season,” Danilo emphatically told Gazzetta dello Sport (via Goal).
While the situation is unlikely to be resolved before Juventus’ pre-season officially kicks off on July 14, there’s hope that we’ll know a little more once Ronaldo returns from Majorcan holidaymaking.