Porto are reportedly plotting a move to bring Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo back to Portugal.
According to Football Insider, FC Porto could provide Cristiano Ronaldo with a way out of Old Trafford as the Portuguese star pushes for an exit from Manchester United. The former Juventus star has reportedly grown frustrated with the club’s lack of transfer activity and wants to leave this summer.
Initial reports of a possible departure for Ronaldo emerged when Manchester United dropped out of the race to finish in the top four. The 37-year-old wasn’t willing to play in the Europa League, with an eye on finishing his glorious career on a high.
However, following Erik ten Hag’s appointment as the club’s manager, the player was reportedly ready to honour his Manchester United contract and stay for another season at the club. The Dutch tactician was believed to have gained Ronaldo’s trust, who wanted the club to back ten Hag in the transfer window.
But as Liverpool and Manchester City strengthened in the transfer window, signing Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland respectively, Ronaldo started growing frustrated with the Red Devils’ transfer activity or lack thereof. Tottenham, too, have been fairly busy in the market.
Confirmed. Cristiano Ronaldo to miss return to Manchester United training today “due to family reasons”, club have accepted this explanation. ??? #MUFC
Man United are aware of his desire to leave the club – but insist on their position: not for sale, want to keep him. pic.twitter.com/Tzj40IidtU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2022
Seeing their rivals sign their top targets while Manchester United struggle to get a deal through, on top of the absence of UEFA Champions League football, has made Ronaldo force an exit from the club. He wants to join a club that plays in Europe’s premier club football competition, with Chelsea getting heavily linked with a summer move.
Porto have now emerged as potential suitors, with the Portuguese giants exploring the possibility of bringing Ronaldo back to Portugal. It is worth mentioning that the former Real Madrid star first made a name for himself at Sporting CP before Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United came calling.
The 2021/22 Portuguese Primeira Liga champions will offer Ronaldo Champions League football as well. As per the aforementioned report, Manchester United manager, ten Hag is willing to let the 37-year-old leave if the club manage to sign a replacement this summer.
In his second stint with the 20-time Premier League champions, Ronaldo scored 24 goals across competitions, finishing as the club’s top scorer for the 2021/22 season. However, as things stand, his latest chapter at Old Trafford could be coming to an end.
