Tag Archives: Cristiano Ronaldo

Transfernewz

Manchester City and Manchester United among clubs chasing Mateo Kovacic

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Both Manchester clubs, along with European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus are interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.

Kovacic has repeated his desire to leave Madrid in pursuit of more game time. He first indicated his desire to leave at the end of last season and talks with new manager Julien Lopetegui have failed to change his mind, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Croatian Kovacic is frustrated at his squad role, but has struggled to displace Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric in the centre of midfield.

There should be no shortage of suitors for Kovacic. Manchester City are an obvious one, given their pursuit of Jorginho ended in failure earlier in the summer. It is also believed they have already made an enquiry about him.

Manchester United are another potential choice, although it is thought manager Jose Mourinho is focusing more on strengthening the defence at the moment.

Juventus have signalled their ambition this summer by signing Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kovacic would be another statement signing for a club looking to win the Champions League.

Likewise with Bayern, who are building their squad for a tilt at the top European competition.

However, while Madrid may be willing to part with him, they will want top dollar: £80 million has been mentioned for Kovacic. While this price tag may put some off – it is a lot for a squad player – he is still young and has a lot of potential.

Football Factz

Juventus set to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in £105 million deal

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Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to complete a reported £105 million move from Real Madrid to Italian champions Juventus.

Rumours of a potential deal for 33-year-old Ronaldo to end his stay in Madrid and move to Turin first surfaced last month, although there had been talk that the forward was unhappy in Spain and looking to move away for some time.

It is understood that Juventus president Andrea Agnelli met Ronaldo in Greece, where he is on holiday, to finalise the deal.

Real did have a release clause of euro1 billion for Ronaldo, but have indicated that they are prepared to waive it. Sky Sports News report that the deal is worth £105 million.

Ronaldo has been at Real for 9 seasons, having signed for them from Manchester United in a then world record £80 million deal. In that time, he was won 4 Champions League titles, two La Ligas and two Copa del Reys and become Los Blancos’ record goalscorer, netting 451 goals. He has also won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best footballer 5 times.

The deal is the biggest in Juventus’ history, eclipsing the £75.3 million they paid for Gonzalo Higuain.

A club statement released by Madrid said: “For Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of our great symbols.

“Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football.

“Real Madrid will always be your home.”

Should this deal be completed, then it would seem to make it more likely that Real will bid to bring Neymar to the club from Paris St-Germain. This deal has been rumoured for some time, but Ronaldo’s exit will free up finances and Real’s president Florentino Perez will want to make a statement signing to make up for the departure of a club legend.

Transfernewz

Chelsea agree £53 million deal to sign Gonzalo Higuain – reports

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Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain for £53 million, according to reports in Italy.

While there is continuing uncertainty around the manager’s job at Chelsea – it is widely reported that Antonio Conte will leave and be replaced by former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri very soon – the club are pressing ahead with their transfer plans.

Higuain played under Sarri at Napoli – scoring 36 goals in Serie A in 2015/16 – and could be reunited with him if he is appointed.

While Sarri was angered by Higuain’s decision to join the Italian champions he remains a big fan of the player, who he was very close to during his time in Naples.

Sport Mediaset is reporting that the deal is done, but it won’t be officially announced until after Sarri has been appointed.

If the deal happens, it will increase speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo would replace Higuain at Juve – the Italians have reportedly made an £88 million bid for him.

Transfernewz

Juventus weigh up move for Cristiano Ronaldo

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Italian champions Juventus have been linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

There have been rumours that Ronaldo may be on his way out of Madrid for some time, but until now Turin has not been mentioned as a possible destination. However, Italian new outlet Tuttosport has claimed that Juve bosses are contemplating a move for the Portuguese star.

Juventus are strengthening their side as they prepare to defend their Serie A title and attempt to win the Champions League, but Ronaldo would be a massive coup for the side, and showing ambition in the transfer market that hasn’t previously been seen – but they could afford his transfer fee and huge wages.

This may also stir other clubs into action that have been linked with Ronaldo, including Manchester United. They have consistently been linked with him in recent months. Manager Jose Mourinho has worked with him before and they have a good relationship. Also Ronaldo made his name at Old Trafford and if he were to move back to England, the United would be the obvious choice.

This may also spur Madrid’s bosses into action and giving Ronaldo an improved contract. He earns substantially less than Lionel Messi or Neymar, and it is thought he isn’t happy about that.
Ronaldo is said to have a £275 million release clause in his contract, but there are thoughts Madrid could waive that – especially as it could help to finance a move for Paris St-Germain star Neymar.
Any move could now be negotiated as Portugal have been knocked out of the World Cup.
Transfernewz

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid and could rejoin Manchester United – reports

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Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to leave Real Madrid this summer, with Manchester United a potential destination, according to reports in Spain.

Rumours of Ronaldo wanting to leave Real have been circulating for some months, but now Spanish sources are saying that Los Blancos’ management have accepted that he will depart this summer.

Manchester United remain the favourites to sign him. Ronaldo made his name at Old Trafford, playing there between 2003 and 2009 before a then-world record £85 million move to the Bernabeu. They also have the financial clout to afford his transfer fee and wage demands.

Ronaldo would likely cost a substantial transfer fee, as while he may be 33, his powers show no signs of waning, as he has shown in his performances for Portugal at the World Cup so far.

If the move were to happen, it would be the sort of marquee signing that United manager Jose Mourinho – who previously worked with Ronaldo during his spell as Real manager – wants as he seeks to challenge rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title.

In addition, should Ronaldo leave, it would likely mean Real increase their attempts to sign Neymar from Paris St-Germain.