Cristiano Ronaldo could join one of five clubs if coronavirus crisis sees him leave Juventus – Man Utd an option
CRISTIANO RONALDO could be flogged by Juventus as the coronavirus causes chaos in Italian football.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is believed to earn around £510,000-a-week at the Allianz Stadium, with a contract that runs until 2022.
But according to Italian news-site Il Messaggero, however, the outbreak of Covid-19 could affect Juventus’ ability to pay their star man’s huge wages.
The Old Lady would demand around £62.5million for the 35-year-old, who is proving that age is just a number with his current form.
There are bound to be a whole host of clubs interested in snapping up CR7 for one final swansong – although the valuation could prove a sticking point.
Here, SunSport checks out five potential clubs the Portuguese star could turn out for if his Juventus spell comes to an abrupt end.
Manchester United
There is no doubt that United fans would LOVE to see their former hero return to Old Trafford.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sure to look at investing in the forward line, with Odion Ighalo snapped up in January as an emergency option.
If the Nigerian ends up going back to Shanghai Shenhua, there will be a central striker role up for grabs – and who better than Ronaldo?
United signed him from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and got six wondrous years out of him before selling him to boyhood club Real Madrid for a world record fee of £80m.
Real Madrid
It’s fair to say Real Madrid have struggled to replace Ronaldo.
Karim Benzema is still leading the line at the Bernabeu, while the likes of Luka Jovic, Mariano and Lucas Vasquez have work to do to prove they can score when needed.
A final battle with Lionel Messi in LaLiga could tempt Ronaldo, especially as he trails him five to six in the Ballon d’Or stakes.
Inter Miami
David Beckham is still looking for his marquee signing – and of course Ronaldo would be just that.
Ronaldo actually replaced Beckham at United back in 2003, taking the No7 shirt when Becks joined Real Madrid.
So at least they would have plenty of nostalgia to reflect on if they join up in the MLS.
Paris Saint-Germain
With Edinson Cavani leaving on a free this summer after turning down a new contract, there is an opening for a centre forward at the Parc des Princes.
And of course if Neymar FINALLY ups sticks and heads back to Spain, their need would become greater.
PSG are of course bankrolled by Qatar Sports Investments, so money shouldn’t prove a problem.
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Shanghai Shenhua
A left-field one here, but the Chinese Super League side might just need a replacement for Odion Ighalo.
They have offered the Nigerian a £400,000-a-week extension to stay at the club, but he may wish to extend his stay with Manchester United, where he has made a solid start.
If Ighalo stays with the Red Devils, Shanghai would have the cash to throw at Ronaldo – and of course he would cruise it in the CSL.