Cristiano Ronaldo could finally have his Manchester United exit wish granted with a swap deal driven by Erik ten Hag's demand for the club to sign new forwards.
Ronaldo is determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus after 12 years away. He has been attempting to force an exit since July.
The 37-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the Premier League opening day defeat against 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 on Saturday evening. 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 the outstanding candidates 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.
Have Your Say! Should Man Utd allow Ronaldo to leave this month? Tell us what you think here.
United have been linked to each of Morata, Felix and Cunha – but it is the latter the English club have the strongest interest in. While no transfer bid has yet been lodged, the club have made the player's agents Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci aware of their interest ahead of making a formal approach.
Atleti are unlikely to allow Cunha to leave below his release clause – believed to be in the region of €60million (£50million) – but negotiations could see this figure potentially negotiated down. That could especially be true if Los Rojiblancos are confident that Ronaldo could be attained.
Atletico need to raise transfer funds this summer and would consider allowing up to two forwards to leave should they sign Ronaldo, who is likely to cost a negligible transfer fee and who would be willing to take a wage cut in order to secure Champions League football and a regular starting spot in Madrid.
