Cristiano Ronaldo transfer news – next club odds: Portugal star leaves Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City trail favourites
CRISTIANO RONALDO is leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement with immediate effect, the Premier League club have announced.
And bookmakers Betfair have responded by installing his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon as favourites to clinch his signature on a free transfer in January.
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
Betfair believe a return to Portugal with Sporting Lisbon is the most likely scenario at 3/1.
Ronaldo’s mum Dolores Aveiro has always predicted her son would return to the José Alvalade Stadium, where he netted five goals in 31 appearances in 2012/13.
Chelsea are next in the betting market at 4/1 with owner Todd Boehly having previously shown interest.
Boehly spoke with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes during the summer, but then manager Thomas Tuchel vetoed the proposal.
A move Stateside with any MLS club is offered at 6/1, ahead Bayern Munich (17/2).
Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: “Following the announcement that Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United have mutually agreed to part ways.
“It looks as though a fairy-tale return to Sporting is on the cards for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with the Portuguese club the 3/1 favourites to sign him in the January transfer window.
“There’s also the possibility of him staying in the Premier League. Chelsea were rumoured to be interested in signing him last summer, and they are currently the 4/1 second favourites to sign him.
“Manchester City are 16/1, while Newcastle and league leaders Arsenal are both 25/1 to sign CR7 in the winter window.”
There’s been a seismic fallout to Ronaldo’s explosive interview with presenter Piers Morgan.
In the TalkTV interview, Ronaldo spoke of being betrayed and disrespected by the club, while also accusing the Glazer family of not caring about what happens on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club
Betfair odds
- Sporting Lisbon – 3/1
- Chelsea – 4/1
- Any MLS Club – 6/1
- Bayern Munich – 17/2
- PSG – 12/1
- Napoli – 12/1
- Roma – 16/1
- Real Madrid – 16/1
- Manchester City – 16/1
He also revealed that manager Erik Ten Hag and others in the club’s hierarchy are trying to force him out.
The damage between the two parties looked to be irreparable, and United’s statement confirms that Ronaldo has played his last game for the club.
They wrote in an official statement: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
BETFAIR: GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
Ronaldo released his own statement following the news, writing: “Following conversations with Manchester United, we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.
“I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge.
“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
FOOTBALL OFFERS
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
*Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly 18+ begambleaware.org