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11.08.2021 » Cristiano Ronaldo's future at three-way crossroads
Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked talk of interest from several top European clubs this summer as his future in Turin hangs in the balance. Juventus are the betting favourites with PointsBet NJ and other bookmakers, with Ronaldo's presence a key factor in shaping the odds. With less than a year left to run on his current contract at the Allianz Arena, the Portugal captain has become a subject of wild transfer speculations. Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain were among the first teams to register an interest in the 36-year-old. However, the arrival of another global superstar Lionel Messi has effectively slammed the door shut for Ronaldo's move to France. Before being presented with an opportunity to land the Argentine wizard, PSG were reportedly working on engineering the Portuguese's forward switch to Paris.
Cristiano Ronaldo - One Last Dance:
Messi's future won't Impact Ronaldo
With Messi's keenly-awaited move to the Parc des Princes complete, Ronaldo's club teammate Leonardo Bonucci believes that does not have anything to do with his companion's future.
"I think that Cristiano Ronaldo would have stayed even if Messi had not gone to PSG," the Euro 2020 winner told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"For us, it's an added value and I'm sure that this year, more than in past years, he will help us reach all of our goals."
Ronaldo's future is now at a crossroads, with Real Madrid and Manchester United remaining the only viable landing spots if he ends up leaving Juventus.
Juventus
After surrendering the Serie A crown to fierce rivals Inter Milan last season, the record-time Italian champions will be keen to regain domestic supremacy in 2021/22.
Keeping Ronaldo on board is essential to the Turin side's hopes of bouncing back from an underwhelming season as they look on course of making it happen.
But with the transfer window deadline approaching rapidly, the situation could take some unexpected twists as the five-time Ballon d'Or winner feels uncomfortable in Italy.
After failing to get past the Champions League quarter-finals in each of his three seasons at Juventus, Ronaldo seems poised to secure a new deal elsewhere.
Manchester United
Despite being linked with what would be a romantic reunion with Manchester United, the prospect of Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford looks far-fetched.
The Red Devils have already splashed out north of £100 million to capture the services of Jadon Sancho and Raphel Varane from Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, respectively.
Also, Ronaldo does not fit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's recruitment program, given he is already 36.
United are well-stocked in the attacking department, and they are unlikely to pursue a new forward this summer.
Real Madrid
A blockbuster return to Real Madrid could be on the cards, though the recent tape scandal involving Los Blancos' president Florentino Perez derails that prospect.
Los Merengues have been notably quiet in the ongoing transfer window despite severing ties with two club icons Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
Perez's top priority remains PSG's Kylian Mbappe, but luring the 22-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu has proved tricky.
Ronaldo was an absolute beast in Madrid, shattering almost every club record and winning everything there is to win in club football.
However, a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti is highly improbable.
At this point, Ronaldo's future seems tied to Juventus.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Juventus is on August 14, against Atalanta. You can watch Juventus vs Atalanta, Alaves vs Real Madrid, PSG vs Strasbourg, Manchester United vs Leeds, Chelsea vs Villarreal, and Borussia M'Gladbach vs Bayern Munich, all matches provided from our soccer streams game pages.
Juventus next game:
Juventus vs Atalanta kick-off time (14-08-2021):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 02:30
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 01:30
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 00:00
Italy (Turin) | UTC/GMT+2: 20:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 20:30
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 19:30
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 15:30
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 14:30
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 11:30
Sources: ronaldo7.net / gazzetta.it
