Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has ruled out his club signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Ronaldo is determined to depart Old Trafford this summer and he has not reported to the club's pre-season tour of Asia due to 'family reasons'. The 37-year-old only returned to United last year, sealing an emotional £20million return to the club from Juventus. Bayern had been named as a possible destination for the Portuguese superstar after Robert Lewandowski ’s transfer to Barcelona was confirmed on Saturday.
Intriguingly, Ronaldo was involved in the Red Devils' promotional content for the launch of their new home kit, yet the recorded footage of him and club legends David Beckham and Eric Cantona has not been released. Adidas are believed to be holding it back until the player's future at the club is clarified.
Ronaldo was left "upset" at seeing his pay slashed at United after each member of the squad was hit with a 25 per cent cut to their weekly wage as a direct consequence of failing to qualify for the Champions League. That is the competition he is said to be determined to play in this campaign after United fell desperately short last season with a sixth-placed Premier League finish.
Bayern boss Nagelsmann has now poured cold water on suggestions that the Portuguese star will join his side, telling Bild journalist Christian Falk: “I saw all rumours on my interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo, but that’s not true.”
The German club’s CEO Oliver Kahn concurred with Nagelsmann’s sentiments, by adding: “I love Cristiano Ronaldo, fantastic player but every club has a philosophy and I'm not sure if it would be the right signal for Bayern and Bundesliga if we signed him now. Such a move does not necessarily fit with our ideas.”
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This was reaffirmed on Saturday by Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, who told SPORT1 in Germany: "I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career. But once again: That was and is not a topic for us."
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is considering launching an extraordinary bid to sign Ronaldo as he and Chelsea director Behdad Eghbali are keeping close tabs on the situation, although Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is said to be against the idea – making any move to Stamford Bridge extremely unlikely.
The possible exit of Ronaldo would leave United desperately light of attacking options. Edinson Cavani was among a glut of first-team exits this summer upon the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford. Signing a striker was far down United’s priority list, but that situation has now changed.
Ajax forward Antony is said to be among the leading transfer targets for Ten Hag, who is keen to reunite with the 22-year-old. The Brazilian has told the Dutch giants that he wants the club to consider allowing him to make the switch to United this summer to be reunited with his former boss.
