Cristiano Ronaldo has been convinced to join Manchester City by his agent, Jorge Mendes, and will make the switch to Manchester if City are to agree a fee with Juventus.
The 36-year-old’s future has been up in the air all summer but as the transfer deadline edged closer, it appeared Ronaldo would stay in Turin for the 2021/22 campaign. However, his situation has evolved rapidly since he personally requested to start on the bench for Juve’s opening weekend draw at Udinese last Sunday.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid had both been interested as Ronaldo sought to find a solution regarding his future, but both superclubs have since ruled themselves out of the ‘race’. Instead, it’s Manchester City who have emerged as the front-runners for the Portuguese’s signature after they failed to spook Daniel Levy in their pursuit of Harry Kane.
Kane confirmed he’d be staying at Tottenham this summer on Wednesday after City’s chase went cold.
It was incredible to see the reception from the Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some of the messages of support I've had in the last few weeks. 👏⚽
— Harry Kane (@HKane) August 25, 2021
I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100% focused on helping the team achieve success. #COYS pic.twitter.com/uTN78tHlk1
It appears the Cityzens, who are in desperate need of a striker following Sergio Aguero’s departure, have turned their attentions to Ronaldo.
Personal terms agreed
Although Ronaldo’s move to Man City is far from the “done deal” as initially reported by Portuguese journalist Goncalo Lopes, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney understands that the player’s agreed personal terms with the Cityzens.
Delaney writes that Ronaldo has spoken to Pep Guardiola about his role for City and is now keen to join the Premier League champions after being convinced by Mendes. He had initial reservations due to his allegiances to Manchester United.
There’s still a long way to go
Mendes was in Turin this morning to meet with the Juventus hierarchy over Ronaldo’s situation. It’s understood that the agent reiterated his client’s desire to leave the club before Juve countered and said they won’t let him leave unless City meet their €28m asking price – as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
It’s a fee the Citzyens have been reluctant to pay, and reports have surfaced of a potential player exchange taking place. Raheem Sterling is a potential option according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via JuveFC), but it’s understood Juve are holding out for Gabriel Jesus, a player Guardiola admires.
As it stands, the two clubs are still some distance apart in agreeing a deal for Ronaldo.