Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the verge of leaving Manchester United after granting Piers Morgan an explosive interview saying “he has no respect for manager Erik ten Hag and feeling that he is being forced out of the club.”
The Portuguese forward made known his intention to leave Manchester United in June, but a deal could not materialize because European teams were not making any offer for the forward.
With the comments made by the veteran on his current manager and Manchester United as a whole, it is yet to be seen if a top European club will be willing to take him in January.
As we edge closer to the January transfer window, we take a look at the possible teams and odds willing to take Cristiano Ronaldo.
*These odds were culled from Betking (the odds were correct as at time of posting)
Chelsea @ 3.00 odd
According to Betking, Chelsea are one of the favorites to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. The blues have been on the Portuguese radar right from the moment he made his intention clear that he wants to leave Manchester United.
Todd Boehly could be triggered to make a move for him after failing to secure his signature in June due to a disagreement with former manager Thomas Tuchel.
Sporting Lisbon @ 4.00 odd
Another possible destination for Cristiano Ronaldo is Sporting Lisbon where he started his career. A possible transfer as a free agent is very likely due to the fact that he has a history with the club.
The 37-year-old broke through the Sporting team between 1997 and 2003. He then went on to sign for Manchester United in 2003.
He was a major part of the Red Devils team last season with Ronaldo scoring 18 goals in the English Premier League. Manchester United would have finished the 2021-22 season just ten points above the relegation zone without Ronaldo’s goal tally.
Sporting Lisbon will have to offer the portuguese forward a pay cut deal if they are to sign him in January because of their wage structure.
Atletico Madrid @ 26.00 odd
A surprising move to Atletico Madrid will be a shocker to everyone. Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Diego Simone side will see him return to La Liga just over four years after departing for Juventus, from Real Madrid in 2018.
The Portuguese forward made nearly 300 appearances for the Spanish side in which he scored well over 300 goals.
The Mattress Makers are the only suitors from Spain to make their interest known with Diego Simone keen to add him to his team. However, this could tarnish Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid if he eventually signs for their rivals.