Chelsea Told They Would Be ‘Deluded’ To Sign Cristiano Ronaldo

Chelsea have been warned over a potential deal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo by former defender Glen Johnson. 

Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave Manchester United earlier in the month, with Chelsea ranked as one of the favourites to sign the Portuguese legend. 

But according to Blues’ former defender Glen Johnson, they should stay well clear of the 37-year-old. 

Johnson told BettingOdds.com: “I think it depends on the rationale of why you want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.” 

“If you’re signing him because you think you’re getting the Ronaldo of old then you’re deluded. But if you’re signing him because he’s a massive commercial deal and you’re going to earn an absolute fortune in shirt sales and sponsorships, then in that sense it’s a clever deal.” 

The former Liverpool and Portsmouth player added: “The only man that can answer that is Boehly himself regarding why he wants to sign him. I know he’s got no experience in football, but people who do buy football clubs are successful at whatever it is they do and they’re clearly intelligent people.” 

“You don’t buy a football club without a plan. I do believe if they were to buy Ronaldo that it’ll be more from a commercial perspective than getting him into their starting eleven.” 

Apart from Chelsea, German champions Bayern Munich are also said to be in the running to sign the Portuguese international. The Bavarian club could lose star striker Robert Lewandowski and Ronaldo could be the perfect replacement. Other clubs linked includes Paris Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon.

Despite Ronaldo’s wish to seek a move away, United are reluctant to part ways with the Portugal captain. Manager Erik ten Hag said during a press conference in Bangkok that Ronaldo remains in his plans for the season. 

The Dutchman said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, he is in our plans - he's not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that's it.” 

Chelsea themselves are set to bring in their first signing of the summer transfer window. A deal to bring Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling to Stamford Bridge is imminent. 

Thomas Tuchel is also looking to bring in a central defender before the season gets underway, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly looks to be the preferred option. 

Where will Ronaldo be playing when the 22/23 campaign gets underway? Only time will tell.