Cristiano Ronaldo may finally be allowed to depart Manchester United following transfer comments from Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
Ronaldo remains determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus last summer after 12 years away. He has been attempting to force through an exit for two months but no move has yet been concluded with just 10 days remaining in the transfer window.
The 37-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the Premier League opening weekend defeat by Brighton as he was not deemed fit enough to start. He was restored to the starting line-up for the humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford in the following game. Ronaldo snubbed a request from the club's assistant coach Steve McClaren to acknowledge the travelling United fans after the game, showing the disillusion engulfing the club.
The list of possible destinations for Ronaldo is limited with Atletico Madrid a strong candidate to secure his signature. Despite the Portuguese superstar's links with Real Madrid – where he is the all-time record club goal scorer with a scarcely believable 450 goals in 438 appearances – he is open to joining their city rivals.
Atleti fans have protested against the possible signing but that is not detracting boss Diego Simeone, who would love for the club to land a player he has always greatly admired. Simeone believes that Ronaldo could have a similar impact to Luis Suarez – the Uruguayan joined from Barcelona in 2020 and subsequently fired them to the league title in his debut season.
Simeone would love to have Ronaldo so much that he has been described as his 'dream' signing, and the Spanish club would allow at least one forward to join United in a separate arrangement. Despite Suarez's exit this summer, Atleti are well-stocked in attack with Alvaro Morata's return to the club joining Angel Correa, Matheus Cunha, Joao Felix and Antoine Griezmann.
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The futures of Cunha, Felix and Morata are those that have come under the greatest scrutiny, with all three players having been linked to United. The English club are hopeful of signing at least one central attacking player to provide competition for Anthony Martial, who is the only recognised senior striker should Ronaldo be granted his wish to leave.
Atleti are not only particularly well-stocked in attack, but the club’s financial situation means they may be prompted to sell at least one star forward in the closing days of the transfer window. United’s interest and urgency to sign an attacker could prompt a sensational late swap deal – which has been hinted at by the Spanish side’s boss.
Simeone said in his press conference after Atleti lost by two goals against Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday: “I am here to work (with the players at the club) and not to ask (for more signings). We have a very complete squad. Hopefully, we can continue with what we are and if one player leaves the club then another one comes in.”
