Manchester United will allow Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford this summer, and the club expects to receive an offer from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the near future, KemiFilani understands.
Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes told United’s hierarchy and manager Erik ten Hag earlier this month that he wanted to leave this summer.
Ten Hag had planned for Ronaldo to be central to his plans for the coming season, but after weighing his options following the end of the previous season, the 37-year-old believes his future would be better served elsewhere.
Ronaldo returned to United from Juventus less than a year ago, scoring 24 goals in all competitions in his first season. The player believes that he demonstrated his ability to rub shoulders with the world’s best, but he does not believe that United will compete for major titles next season.
Ronaldo’s decision was also influenced by United’s failure to make the Champions League, and according to reports, United have made it clear that he will be allowed to leave despite having one year remaining on his current contract.
Jorge Mendes is currently working on options for the player, and we understand Chelsea is ready to formalize their interest and make a bid.
Ronaldo is expected to leave United for a fee of around £15 million, but any club signing him would have to take on his weekly salary of over £400,000 – although Mendes has told interested parties that he would take a pay cut.
According to sources close to Chelsea, co-owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly sees the opportunity to sign one of the world’s biggest names as too good to pass up.
