Manchester United Transfer Rumors 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo Wants to Move Back to Manchester
Cristiano Ronaldo's time in Real Madrid might be coming to an end with the club reportedly unwilling to offer him a new contract, but should Manchester United pursue him?
Recent reports have indicated that Ronaldo prefers to return to Old Trafford if he ever leaves Madrid. However, United may have a difficult time pulling off a deal to bring him back because of the reigning Ballon d'Or holder's price tag.
According to Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué, Real Madrid are willing to let Ronaldo leave, but they are expected to ask for around £89 million for the Portuguese forward and United are reportedly reluctant to pay that much for a footballer who will turn 33 next month.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"Here's United's conundrum: the club cannot show a lack of interest if it is confirmed that Ronaldo is on the market. But the huge amount of money his transfer would demand cannot be justified," Balagué said.
"It's not just the fact he isn't scoring much, as I've said for a couple years now he has peaked physically. What I mean by that is he will continue scoring for fun once this blip is overcome, but his influence in games is diminishing," he added.
Ronaldo is currently in a slump (by his high standards), but as noted by Balagué, it's only a matter of time before he starts scoring goals in bunches again. Still, the concerns over his age are not unfounded. Forwards are generally the earliest to peak in football, but they also start to decline in their early 30s.
Of course, club supporters would love to see Ronaldo play for United again. But they may have to pass up the chance to sign him if Real Madrid do not drop their asking price.
Aside from United, French giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in Ronaldo as well.
