While Ronaldo took care of his personal problems, agent Jorge Mendes was active in the transfer market. The 56-year-old offered Ronaldo to many top clubs. According to “Le Parisien”, a request was received from Paris Saint-Germain. According to “The Athletic”, Chelsea FC was also a candidate. Even FC Bayern was mentioned. But CEO Oliver Kahn canceled. “As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest: a transfer would not fit into our philosophy,” he quoted the “Kicker”. No agreement was reached with either club.
What speaks against Ronaldo
The reasons for the cancellations are both financial and sporting in nature. In Manchester, Ronaldo is said to earn the equivalent of almost 30 million euros gross per year. A salary that only a few top clubs can afford. For comparison: Bavaria’s top earners like Manuel Neuer bring in around 20 million euros a year.
It’s the value for money that just doesn’t fit anymore. Because even if “CR7” is one of the best players in football history, his age is noticeable. In the 2017/18 season, Juventus scored 86 goals in Serie A. Then they signed Ronaldo. In the three years with him it was 70, 76 and 77 goals. In 2020/21, Manchester United scored 73 Premier League goals. Last year with Ronaldo it was 57.
Matching the game to the Portuguese was once Real Madrid’s recipe for success. Now, that tactic no longer leads to titles. The other top clubs noticed that too. When it comes to running, the 37-year-old simply can’t keep up at the highest level. The data provider “StatsBomb” compared Ronaldo’s values in the past season with all other field players – with the exception of central defenders – in the five top leagues in Europe. The result: No player pressed the opponent as seldom per 90 minutes as the superstar of the “Red Devils”.
In today’s football, where almost all top teams rely on intense pressing and counter-pressing in all areas of the field, Ronaldo’s values are counterproductive.
Is there a reversal?
Erik ten Hag also demands a constant approach from his players. As far as he’s concerned, the team “push all day and when we can, we put it up the pitch.” Far ahead, where Ronaldo is supposed to play. Only will he play there? Neither ten Hag nor Ronaldo himself can answer the question.