Latest developments
- Cristiano Ronaldo did not fully rule out a move to Manchester City.
- He was linked to City before returning to Manchester United in 2021.
- The 39-year-old is rumoured to be open to a move away from Al-Nassr.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): From the horse's mouth
The prospect of a sensational move to Man City was not vehemently denied by Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about the possibility at the Globe Soccer Awards this week.
“Well in football, you never know what's going to happen,” said the 39-year-old, as reported by talkSPORT, who are not the most reliable when it comes to transfer rumours, but as the reported quipped, “That's not a no.”
Value (2/5): No more world record fees
Ronaldo the player now has a market value of £9.95 million, still impressive for someone turning 40 in February.
Ronaldo the brand, however, would force City to cough up plenty more than that, even with only six months left on his current Al-Nassr deal.
Suitability (2.5/5): City play with a target man
Ronaldo will believe he can still do a job in the Premier League and 16 goals in 19 matches this season will be his evidence, even if most people won't label that as proof.
Although, with City being one of a handful of teams who play with a big target man, he would be better suited to playing centre-forward for the Cityzens compared to most other English clubs.
Upgrade? (1/5): Not a patch on Haaland
Erling Haaland's goal against Leicester yesterday was just his second in eight matches, but the idea that Ronaldo can come in and replace him is frankly laughable.
Even with a glittering career ahead of him, Haaland is unlikely to ever be as decorated as CR7, yet he is streets ahead of the current, 39-year-old Ronaldo.
Logic (1/5): Not what City need
City are in desperate need of defenders and midfielders in various positions, and while one could argue that they need a back-up striker to push Haaland, Ronaldo is not the man to fill that role.
The move could satisfy Ronaldo if he wants one final crack at the Premier League after his time at United ended sourly, but being a benchwarmer will not suit him.
Whisper+ verdict: 8.5/25
As one might expect, we cannot see City or Ronaldo in much of a hurry to get this done in January. But as the man said, “you never know what's going to happen.”
