On Tuesday, AS reported a temptation to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken Atlético Madrid’s transfer plans this summer.
COPE provide a background on how the La Liga sided emerged as an option for the 37-year-old and their stance to sign him this summer.
The Manchester United forward possibly joining the Madrid club was discussed in a meeting between Jorge Mendes and Los Rojiblancos CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, which took place at the start of this month.
Mendes informed the Spanish club’s chief that his client wants to play in the Champions League. That is not possible at Old Trafford as the Red Devils have not qualified for Europe’s elite club competition.
The super-agent also stressed Ronaldo would be ready to join Diego Simeone’s side for a ‘modest amount’. The player wouldn’t focus much on the finances related to the contract as his priority is a sporting project, where he can play in the Champions League and also at the highest level for one more season.
COPE state this was pitched by Mendes to Atlético and the same pitch was also made to Barcelona.
After Ronaldo was offered to Atlético, Gil Marín’s response was to thank the agent, but he then ‘rejected’ this possibility because his side cannot carry out this operation.
The ‘big problem’ for them is they need to raise €40m first to register new players. There’s also need to make room in the club’s attack before contemplating signing Ronaldo.
If there are a series of exits at Atlético in the coming weeks and if there is place for Erik ten Hag’s man, a potential deal may be analysed to see how Ronaldo would fit into Simeone’s plans. Until then, his signing would not be feasible for the La Liga side.
