Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo 'could return to Real Madrid this summer'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 May 2022

Real Madrid could make an attempt to re-sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo during this summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Real Madrid are reportedly considering making an attempt to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, with the attacker's future at Manchester United far from secure.

The 37-year-old has been in impressive scoring form for the Red Devils this term, finding the back of the net on 23 occasions in 36 appearances, in addition to contributing three assists.

Ronaldo has 17 Premier League goals to his name this term, meanwhile, despite his team's struggles for much of the campaign.

The Portugal international has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2023, with the option of a further year, but there remains widespread speculation surrounding his future, with Erik ten Hag's plans for the attacker unclear.

Ten Hag is believed to be keen to sign a couple of forwards this summer, with Edinson Cavani on his way out, and the futures of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial up in the air.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Manchester United in March 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo might have to accept a rotational role at Man United next season in order to stay, and there have been claims that he could seek a move away, with the club unlikely to be in the Champions League unless something incredible happens in the final weeks of the campaign.

According to The Mirror, Real Madrid are interested in re-signing the Portuguese, who became the club's all-time record goalscorer during his nine years at Bernabeu.

The 37-year-old netted 450 goals and registered 132 assists in 438 appearances for Real Madrid before leaving to join Juventus, where he managed another 101 goals in 134 outings ahead of a sensational return to Man United last summer.

The report claims that Los Blancos would only have to pay in the region of £10m to re-sign the Portuguese, who is believed to be open to moving back to Madrid at this stage of his career.

Kylian Mbappe remains a leading target for Carlo Ancelotti's team, but Paris Saint-Germain are working to convince the France international to pen a new deal at the club.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans after the match, January 3, 2022 © Reuters

Senior figures at Real Madrid allegedly believe that Ronaldo's guarantee of goals could help the club secure more silverware next season, and the Portuguese is believed to be keen to play into his 40s.

Los Blancos secured this season's La Liga title with four matches to spare by thrashing Espanyol 4-0 on Saturday, and they will now switch their attention to the Champions League, preparing to face Manchester City in the second leg of their semi-final next week.

Man United, on the other hand, are sixth in the Premier League table and facing Europa League football next term, having struggled for form during the 2021-22 campaign.

The Red Devils will take on Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace in their final three matches of the league season, and Ronaldo will be looking to pass the 20-goal mark in the Premier League over the next three weeks.