According to CNN Portugal, a Saudi Arabian club has made an initial offer to Manchester United for the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who could earn a staggering £105 million per year.
The Portuguese forward is thought to be eager to leave Old Trafford this summer in pursuit of a new challenge after being disappointed with United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the upcoming season.
The likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Napoli have all been said to be interested in signing Ronaldo in recent weeks. It has now been known that Chelsea has decided against signing the prolific goalscorer.
And now, an unknown Saudi club has since come in as the surprise top bidder with a massive offer that would pay Ronaldo more than £100 million every season.
According to reports, the bid includes a transfer cost of about £30 million, which is more than United paid to get him from Juventus last summer. Ronaldo would therefore be eligible to obtain a two-year contract with a total salary of £210 million, plus £20 million in agent fees.
Cristiano Ronaldo was given special permission to postpone his preseason return to United owing to family reasons. He has yet to let the club’s management know when he will return to Manchester in time for the upcoming season.
After placing sixth in the Premier League last season, he is said to be dejected at not being eligible for Champions League. He is also said to be worried about the team’s lack of development during the summer transfer window.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, and United is reportedly interested in keeping hold of him until the end of his contract, if at all feasible.
The Red Devils would need a quality striker in case the Portuguese leaves, but it’s unknown at this point who they would seek despite recent mentions of Paulo Dybala and Robert Lewandowski as potential first choices.
The 37-year-old won’t be permitted to leave United as Erik ten Hag still expects him to lead the line for the team when the new Premier League season begins.
