Thomas Tuchel is yet to be convinced that Chelsea signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United this summer is the correct decision, according to reports.
The 37-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford after just one season following the club failing to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
United, who are now under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage, finished sixth in the Premier League last term, handed them Europa League football for the 2022/23 campaign.
The outcome hasn’t matched Ronaldo’s ambitions, and as he enters the final few years of his career, he wants to play at the highest level possible which includes playing in the Champions League.
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As a result, he informed Man United of his desire to leave if a suitable offer came in for the Portuguese star.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, has held meetings with several clubs including Chelsea, talking with co-owner Todd Boehly about the possibility of Ronaldo making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Boehly and his fellow partners at Chelsea were intrigued by the idea of Ronaldo in west London.
But Tuchel is in full control of the transfer business this summer, in terms of both incomings and outgoings.
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The decision has been put to the head coach over whether or not Chelsea should make a move for Ronaldo.
No final verdict has been given, but The Independent now reports that the ‘current feeling’ is that he has ‘little interest’ in pursuing a deal for the forward.
Tuchel is currently on the verge of landing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, with a transfer imminent after personal terms were agreed.
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Other targets have been identified and Boehly, who is the club’s interim sporting director, is taking an extremely hands-on approach in a bid to land as many transfer targets as possible.
He, along with co-owner Behdad Eghbali, flew to Barcelona on Thursday evening to hold talks with Barcelona officials regarding the futures of Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta and Frenkie de Jong.
Chelsea could bring up to six signings to the club this summer, but as of yet none have been acquired. Tuchel will want to work with as many for as long as possible before the opening day of the season which is now four weeks away.
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Leeds United’s Raphinha is another attacking target but Chelsea are waiting to see whether Barcelona make a suitable offer to the Premier League side.
But it appears as though interest is cooling in Ronaldo and the Portugal international won’t make a blockbuster move down south.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Manchester United
Matthew Debono