Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo 'could join Napoli or Sporting Lisbon on loan before transfer deadline'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 29 August 2022

Ronaldo 'could join Napoli or Sporting on loan before transfer deadline'

Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo could join Napoli or Sporting Lisbon on loan before the end of the window, according to a report.

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly still hopeful of securing a Manchester United exit for his client in the final stages of the transfer window.

The Portugal international is believed to have informed the Red Devils at the start of July of his desire to leave the club this summer to continue playing Champions League football.

However, a number of clubs, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan, are believed to have turned down the chance to sign him.

Ronaldo has been involved in Man United's four Premier League matches this season but has only started once, and he was again on the bench against Southampton on Saturday.

The 37-year-old's future continues to be called into question, and he will face further competition in the final third of the field at Old Trafford with the imminent arrival of Antony from Ajax.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm-up on August 22, 2022 © Reuters

According to The Independent, Mendes has not given up hope of securing an exit, with a loan move to Napoli or Sporting Lisbon seen as options late in the window.

The report claims that Ronaldo's salary, thought to be in excess of £500,000 a week, has put off a number of clubs that would have been interested in his signature.

Man United would allegedly have to pay a portion of the Portuguese's wages on any loan deal, but Napoli and Sporting are both considering late moves.

Ronaldo started his professional career at Sporting, representing the Green and Whites on 31 occasions during the 2002-03 campaign before joining the Red Devils in 2003.

The forward enjoyed a successful period in Italy with Juventus, meanwhile, scoring 101 goals in 134 matches for the Old Lady, winning two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia in the process.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo pictured on July 31, 2022 © Reuters

Mendes is also believed to have been in touch with Chelsea to once again offer the Blues the chance to sign his client before the window slams shut.

Thomas Tuchel's side are looking to sign a centre-forward before the deadline, having allowed Timo Werner to return to RB Leipzig, while Romelu Lukaku has rejoined Inter Milan on loan.

Chelsea continue to be linked with Barcelona's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but they are running out of time when it comes to competing a deal for the former Arsenal captain.

Ronaldo only played the final four minutes of Man United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on August 22, while he came on for the last 22 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 victory at Southampton.

Erik ten Hag's team are next in action against Leicester City on Thursday evening before welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.