Cristiano Ronaldo has been tentatively linked with a move to Newcastle United, and now the 37-year-old is close to joining a new club.
The rumour mill has been going into overdrive ever since Ronaldo became a free agent. The forward’s shocking interview with Piers Morgan led to his release from Manchester United, who were probably happy to see the back of the fallen star.
Ronaldo has been dominating the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and is currently without a club. And that inevitably led to speculation that he could join Newcastle.
It wasn’t a surprise. It was always going to happen given the wealth of our owners. There was no way Newcastle wouldn’t be mentioned when discussing where Ronaldo could go next.
While the British media, and anyone with sense, claimed that the Magpies had no interest in the Portugal international, Spanish outlets saw it differently.
It was claimed by Marca that Ronaldo was torn between a move to St James’ Park and joining Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. Then they added that he was tempted to sign for Newcastle during the summer – despite there not even being an offer on the table.
Talk of Ronaldo coming to Newcastle was nonsense, and now it looks like it can finally be put to bed.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club will be Al Nassr, not Newcastle
Marca have now provided a fresh update on the Ronaldo situation, and believe that he is close to finding a new employer.
They report that he is close to an agreement with Al Nassr. Marca believe that he will sign a two-and-a-half year deal with the Saudi Pro League side, worth an extortionate £173million-a-year.
A move there will see Ronaldo play alongside Vincent Aboubakar and former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. And he will be managed by Rudi Garcia, a man who was previously linked with the Newcastle job.
The money Ronaldo is set to earn is crazy, and sums up exactly why he isn’t moving to St James’ Park. Even if Eddie Howe did want him in his squad, there’s no way Newcastle could pay him that kind of cash.
Regardless, Howe didn’t want him. Ronaldo would be an appalling fit on Tyneside, and it is good to know that we are steering well clear.
It didn’t stop the gossip columns using our name, but it finally looks like Ronaldo has found himself a new club.
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