Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo 'unlikely to entertain non-European offers'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 October 2022

Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is not currently interested in leaving European football, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is not currently interested in leaving European football.

There is again widespread speculation surrounding the 37-year-old's future, with Man United said to be prepared to let him leave on a free transfer during the January transfer window.

Ronaldo hit the headlines last week when he refused to enter the field as a late substitute in his side's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Man United head coach Erik ten Hag made the decision to suspend the Portugal international for Saturday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ronaldo could be back in the fold against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday, but it appears certain that he will leave next year, either in January or at the end of the campaign, when his contract is due to expire.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo with manager Erik ten Hag before coming on as a substitute on August 22, 2022 © Reuters

Chelsea have recently been credited with an interest in the forward, but there is believed to be a lack of European interest in the former Sporting Lisbon youngster.

Teams from the MLS and Saudi Arabia are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with Al-Hilal thought to have made a lucrative offer for his services over the summer.

However, journalist Romano has said that Ronaldo is not currently interested in moving to a non-European side.

"I've been asked about stories about the MLS, but Cristiano Ronaldo's priority has always been to continue in Europe," Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside.

"He was approached by a club in Saudi Arabia in August but he wanted to continue in Europe. As of now, there are still no different indications. I'm sure his agent will explore the market in the next 1-2 months and we will see what happens."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their second goal on October 8, 2022 © Reuters

Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City from Juventus in the summer of 2021, but he ultimately made the return to Old Trafford.

The Portuguese impressed during his first season back at Man United, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League.

However, it has been a struggle for the forward this season, managing just two goals in 12 appearances, with just one of those coming in the Premier League.

Ronaldo's current deal, as mentioned, is due to expire next June, although the Red Devils do have the option to extend his contract for a further 12 months, which would take him to the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Ten Hag and Ronaldo are said to have held 'crunch talks' on Monday to determine how best to move forward, with Man United having a busy run of games ahead of the World Cup.