Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea – Reading between the lines

According to recent reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. As reported by The Athletic, Todd Boehly met Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, on Saturday and discussed a move for the Portuguese superstar.

"Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. Talks are understood to have taken place with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes although Manchester United expect the 37-year-old to stay at Old Trafford(Via: The Athletic/ The Telegraph)"

Both Premier League clubs are yet to sign a player in the ongoing transfer window. Manchester United are struggling to sign players because of the absence of the UEFA Champions League, whereas Chelsea are still dealing with the departures (Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Toni Rudiger) from the club.

Though the outlets link Cristiano Ronaldo with a move, the Old Trafford club expects him to honour the contract and stay at the club. However, the rumours are making a powerful wave on social media, let us “read between the lines”.

Todd Boehly’s PoV

Todd Boehly bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich after the UK placed restrictions on the Russian owner because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Todd Boehly won the race against three other competitors. The American owner will look forward to making the first impression as the best impression in front of his fans.

Chelsea are yet to make their first signing under Todd Boehly’s reign. Romelu Lukaku is leaving Stamford Bridge on loan and AC Milan are linked with Hakim Ziyech. The Blues will lose two attackers and have to add flair to their attack. Ronaldo and Neymar are the two stars with whom pundits have linked Chelsea, even though there are a plethora of attackers available in the transfer market.

Every owner will look to have a star/Galactico signing as their first-ever signing. The Glazers (Manchester United) signed Edwin van Der Saar, whereas Sheikh Mansour (Manchester City) bought Robinho by splashing £32.5 million. Todd Boehly will want/look to send a statement of intent to their rivals by signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and Neymar Jr from Paris St Germain.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s PoV

Manchester United will not feature in the UEFA Champions League in 2022/23. If Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Old Trafford, it will be the first time after 20 years that he will not be in the elite continental showdown. With age not being on his side, the player would like to be the part of the side that features in the Champions League.

At the moment, Manchester United are miles away from winning the Premier League let alone the Champions League. This would reduce Ronaldo’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or one more time in his lifetime. A move to Chelsea will make sense if this is the case.

On the other hand, Manchester United are yet to show intent to bridge the gap with Liverpool and Manchester City in the transfer window. Even after finishing sixth and having the worst ever season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Red Devils have failed to enact. If Cristiano Ronaldo leaves, it would directly affect the club’s finances. In this way, Ronaldo is demanding the club plug the gaps if United does not want him to leave Old Trafford.

(*PoV – Point of View)

What are your opinions of Ronaldo’s move to Chelsea? Have your say below!