The excitement surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo is intensifying in Europe and the MLS, with Manchester United showing interest, while Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are keen on Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali. Stay tuned for the latest transfer updates and rumors from across the globe.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Interest in Cristiano Ronaldo is gaining momentum in Europe and the MLS, according to TEAMtalk. At 40, Ronaldo declined to partake in Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh, as sources indicated to ESPN that he is dissatisfied with the league’s handling of the Karim Benzema transfer to Al Hilal. The Manchester Evening News has reported a potential return to Manchester United for the Portugal international, while several other major clubs in Europe are willing to adjust their sporting strategies to recruit him.
– Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea have all expressed interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, as per The Sun. Mikel Arteta admires the Italy international and aims to partner him with Declan Rice in the Gunners’ midfield. The Gunners sensed a potential move on deadline day, but it ultimately did not materialize. City manager Pep Guardiola is also a huge fan of the 25-year-old and his Magpies teammate Tino Livramento, while Chelsea is keeping an eye on Tonali. still, reports suggest he and his wife are content in the North East and are not actively seeking a transfer.
– Marcus Rashford has no plans to return to Manchester United when his loan with Barcelona concludes this summer, according to The Mirror. The Blaugrana have an option to permanently acquire him for €30 million, and the 28-year-old desires clarity regarding his future before the 2026 World Cup commences. United’s interim coach Michael Carrick would attempt to convince the Red Devils academy graduate to remain if appointed full-time, but Rashford has already informed Barcelona of his wish to stay at Camp Nou and would seek another club rather than return to Old Trafford if an agreement is not achieved.
– Bayern Munich are in advanced discussions to acquire Charlotte FC and U.S. U20 winger Nimfasha Berchimas, as reported by The Athletic. The two teams are navigating their plans without concern for Germany’s transfer deadline, as they are finalizing a pre-agreed deal for summer—Berchimas turns 18 at the end of the month and cannot yet be registered with a German club. Another U.S. youth international may be heading to Europe this summer, with reports by Tom Bogert indicating that Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid have shown significant interest in 18-year-old Real Salt Lake striker Zavier Gozo.
– Juventus plans to pursue Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after the striker remained on loan at Tottenham Hotspur this January, according to Calciomercato. Juve made efforts until the transfer window closed to re-sign the 27-year-old, who also expressed interest in returning to the Serie A club, but Spurs insisted on retaining the France international as they couldn’t locate a suitable alternative. A transfer will require at least €50 million, though Juventus will have to facilitate a departure for Loïs Openda to meet that valuation.
EXPERT TAKE
ESPN’s Mark Ogden assesses Cristiano Ronaldo’s options if he exits Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo will celebrate his 41st birthday on Thursday, and his remarkable durability and goal-scoring prowess are reasons why many clubs will be eager to sign the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star if he seeks a transfer from Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
There will be clubs willing to take him on, as well as those who have the financial means to do so. also, there’s the crucial opportunity for a team to help Ronaldo achieve the milestone of 1,000 career goals—he is currently less than 50 goals shy of that landmark.
Considering these factors, where could he end up? Speculation linking Ronaldo with a return to United for a third stint at Old Trafford is misplaced; there’s no compelling reason for this to happen. An MLS move could be a viable option, potentially leading to a “Last move” alongside Lionel Messi in the U.S. If Ronaldo opts for a U.S. transfer, the financial resources present in the country could facilitate such a move, making Los Angeles or New York potential destinations.
yet, given that Ronaldo is reportedly earning £177 million annually in Saudi Arabia, finances might play the most significant role, with any club willing to match his salary while offering the chance to reach 1,000 goals being a strong contender.
Only last week, Ronaldo’s former United and Portugal teammate Nani joined FC Aktobe in the Kazakhstan Premier League, and as the oil-rich country aims to elevate its sports profile, there is a possibility for Ronaldo to find a future there. With him, anything is feasible.
OTHER RUMORS
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– Real Madrid is keeping an eye on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for the upcoming summer in the event of any major player departures. (Caught Offside)
– Internazionale might target Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby and Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra (currently on loan at Cagliari) during the summer, as they were unable to finalize January transfers for either player. (Calciomercato)
– Atalanta is willing to continue discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding midfielder Ederson ahead of June, after declining to let the Brazil international depart in January. (Rudy Galetti)
– Jadon Sancho is considering a summer return to the Bundesliga as it seems unlikely he will remain with Aston Villa post his loan from Manchester United. (Football Insider)
– Paris Saint-Germain is working on activating a release clause to permanently sign Khalil Ayari, who is presently on loan from Stade Tunisien. (Footmercato)
– Center back Dayot Upamecano has reached an agreement for a contract extension with Bayern Munich. (Florian Plettenberg)
– A new meeting is anticipated between Juventus and Kenan Yildiz‘s agent in the near future, with discussions surrounding a five-year contract extension worth €6 million per year. (Nicolo Schira)
– Sevilla is contemplating re-signing 39-year-old defender Sergio Ramos for a third term. Ramos is currently a free agent after departing Monterrey in December, and he initially began his career at Sevilla before making a return to the club after 18 years for the 2023-24 season. (Diario de Sevilla)
– Xabi Alonso and Enzo Maresca are expected to be on the shortlist for the managerial position at Manchester City, with Como’s Cesc Fabregas gaining attention throughout Europe. (Telegraph)
– Marc-Andre ter Stegen will not return to Barcelona after sustaining an injury and will complete his loan with Girona, although he may do part of his recovery with the Blaugrana medical team. (Mundo Deportivo)
– Girona could still sign free-agent goalkeeper Ruben Blanco as a potential replacement for the Germany international. (Sport)
– Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini are set to sign contract extensions shortly, keeping them with Roma until 2029. (Nicolo Schira)
