A report claims Chelsea may now reignite their interest in signing Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window.
The 37-year-old’s Old Trafford future was thrown into doubt during the summer. He missed the majority of the club’s pre-season matches while seemingly pushing for a move elsewhere. A lack of Champions League action was said to be behind the decision to seek alternative employment.
But the Portugal skipper remained at the Theatre of Dreams despite an obvious keenness to move on. Erik ten Hag has placed the former Real Madrid star on the bench for the majority of the new season.
He has started just one Premier League game and been used as a substitute in five others. Ronaldo has yet to open his goalscoring account for 2022-2023 from seven outings in all competitions.
However, the Red Devils have enjoyed a revival of late, with four consecutive league wins. That sees them fifth in the standings although they were beaten 1-0 at home by Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday.
It seems likely the Dutch tactician will continue his strategy of using the ex-Juventus man as an impact player. But that might not be enough to keep the superstar happy and he may seek a winter exit.
Chelsea were linked during the summer, with new owner Todd Boehly reportedly keen to purchase the legend as a marquee signing. Then Blues boss Thomas Tuchel was against the idea and won the battle at the time, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arriving instead.
However, the German has now been sacked, with Graham Potter moving into the Stamford Bridge hotseat. Fichajes are suggesting that the ex-Brighton chief will take a different view to his predecessor and test the water with a January bid.
Ronaldo deal could still happen
It is unclear whether Ronaldo is happy with the current situation. It seems as though he will not be given the nod in the league.
But the veteran did start in Europe’s second-tier competition earlier this week. That might be the way Ten Hag goes unless injuries cause him to think otherwise.
Ronaldo is not used to sitting on the bench. He has bagged an incredible 698 goals in all competitions during an illustrious career to date.
And there is no reason to suggest that he would not score many more given the opportunity. But United’s recent resurgence has been clear to see, with the former Sporting ace playing little part.
Therefore the manager is unlikely to alter his system. Fichajes go on to claim Potter is open to the possibility of signing the man with 117 international goals early next year.
Boehly could put his foot down and insist on the business, with Potter unlikely to go against the American. The west Londoners may have a new custodian but he has already shown a ruthless streak akin to the club’s former owner.