Having done it in England, Spain and Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo was linked with a move to Germany, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich being touted as his next destination. Frustrated with the lack of success on the field and absence of quality signings in the transfer market, Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be contemplating a move away from Manchester United in the summer.
As soon as the Bayern Munich rumours emerged, many fans (both of the German club and Ronaldo) gave the possible transfer their nod, backing the Portuguese to become a force in Germany too. However, it has now been learned that the switch would not be happening.
With Robert Lewandowski keen to leave Bayern Munich for Barcelona this summer, the German giants are in the market looking for a potential replacement for the Pole. Ronaldo, who scored 18 goals for Manchester United in the Premier League last season, is seen by many as a capable replacement. While there’s no denying that the Portuguese isn’t as impactful as a player as he used to be a few years ago, even at the age of 37, he has the ability to bag 25-30 goals a season for a good team.
As per a report in Sky Germany, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes offered his client to Bayern Munich, with the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner also giving his nod to the switch. But, after an internal discussion, Bayern bosses turned down the opportunity.
Be it Ronaldo’s popularity, his stature, or his goalscoring ability, it’s fair to say that there’s probably no better replacement for Lewandowski at Bayern in the short term. However, it is the financial package involving the Portuguese that reportedly made Bayern bosses reject Mendes’ proposal.
It has been reported that Ronaldo earns a net salary of €30 million at Manchester United. The figure is quite above the highest salary that Bayern offer in their current wage structure.
Other than Ronaldo’s wages, his style of play is also a problem for Bavarians. Under manager Julian Naggelsman, Bayern want players who are quick, can press and also do the dirty job off the ball. Ronaldo, as has been seen from his stint under Ralf Rangnick last season at United, isn’t the ideal candidate to do these things.
With Nagelsmann being younger in age than Ronaldo, the dressing room atmosphere was also considered by the Bayern bosses before turning down Ronaldo’s proposed move.
With Manchester United yet to make a substantial signing in the summer transfer window, Ronaldo could look at a few other options to move on from the Old Trafford outfit. It was earlier reported that clubs in Portugal and Italy are keen to sign the veteran forward.
