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Despite Cristiano Ronaldo being interested in a move to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish side have been forced out of a potential transfer due to financial reasons.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that wantaway Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘looking favourably’ at a potential move to Atletico.
However, despite the believed interest from both parties in a potential move, new reports from Spain have revealed that Atletico have had to rule out any potential move for the five-time Ballon d’or winner.
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The report notes that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met with Atletico’s CEO Gil Marin. During the meeting, Mendes reiterated that Ronaldo wants to play Champions League football next season, something that has been heavily reported upon.
Additionally, Mendes told Marin that Ronaldo would be willing to join them for a ‘modest amount’, despite this the proposal was rejected.
According to the report, Marin thanked Mendes for the offer, however due to Atletico’s financial situation, the move would be impossible to complete.
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As of right now, Atletico are exceeding their financial fair play targets by approximately €45 million. As a result, the Spanish giants will need to clear up a large amount of wages in the near future.
The report also noted that even if Atleti were able to do this, then another series of factors would have to be looked at before considering any approach for Ronaldo.
Despite Ronaldo’s clear intentions to leave Manchester United, Atletico are just one of many top clubs who have ruled out a move for the Portuguese international.
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Earlier this summer Bayern Munich Chief Executive told reporters that a move for Ronaldo was unlikely:
"I love Cristiano Ronaldo, fantastic player.” Said Khan. “But every club has a philosophy and I'm not sure if it would be the right signal for Bayern and Bundesliga if we signed him now. Such a move does not necessarily fit with our ideas."
With the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Manchester United being more likely with every passing day, new United boss Erik ten Hag again confirmed the striker was part of his plans.
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne ahead of United’s pre-season victory against Crystal Palace, said the following on Ronaldo’s plans:
“I am well informed, he also has an option [of another year]. Yes [he could stay beyond next season]. Of course, I have signed here for three years but in football, it’s short-term as well.”
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If Ronaldo is to remain at United, it will be his eighth season with the club across two spells.
One of just two senior strikers at the club alongside Anthony Martial, the Portuguese forward scored over 30% of United’s 57 Premier League goals, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals.
According to reports that emerged on Wednesday, Manchester United are still keeping track of Ajax forward Antony, with a potential signing planned even if Ronaldo remains at the club.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Football, Transfers
