Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future has been a hot topic of speculation throughout the transfer window amid the forward’s unhappiness at Manchester United.
A lack of Champions League football and little prospect of challenging for the title has meant that Ronaldo’s homecoming was not the glorious return he hoped for a year ago, despite scoring 24 goals.
Ronaldo has been searching for a new club, without success. His agent Jorge Mendes had been negotiating with Napoli over a potential move, Corriere dello Sport reported.
A deal is not expected to go ahead, and former Italy international Antonio Cassano has warned Napoli against signing Ronaldo.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Cassano warns Napoli off Ronaldo
Outspoken former striker Cassano was quoted by Area Napoli warning the Serie A side against signing Ronaldo, suggesting he would create more problems than he solves.
Cassano even called for Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti to resign if a deal was done without his approval.
He said: “Would Spalletti agree to put himself a huge problem in the locker room? I doubt it. The problem is that Ronaldo does not help the team. goals per game.
“From Spalletti I can expect him to say goodbye and thank you if the club decides to do this. For him it would be a big step backwards.”
In particular he poured scorn on suggestions Napoli could sell Victor Osimhen to fund a move for Ronaldo or create space.
Cassano said: “Selling Osimhen for money and then putting a timebomb in it makes no sense.”
It is increasingly looking like Ronaldo will still be a Manchester United player past the deadline. The club are preparing for this.
Asked about Ronaldo at his press conference, Erik ten Hag said: “Yes of course. We need quality players. You need more to cover all the games and keep the consistency going, that is what we strive for.”
It was a diplomatic answer which offered no guarantees. Anything can still happen on deadline day. If it’s not Napoli, a return to Sporting might be an option.
If he is staying, then Ronaldo could be part of United’s squad tonight to take on Leicester City.
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