Manchester City are closer than ever to completing one of the biggest coups in football history. It’s very rare that a club legend crosses the line of joining its City rivals. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the all-time greats, might just do it.
The Portuguese got his big break after Manchester United picked him up from Sporting Lisbon. Still only 18, Ronaldo had a hefty price tag on his back and a lot to prove. He did more than that as he won the Ballon d’Or and the UEFA Champions League during his time at United.
After moving to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee, Ronaldo proved his legend and kept smashing record after record. However, it has been almost 13 years since he left United, and now he is being linked for a move to city rivals Manchester City.
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Gabriel Jesus has told Pep Guardiola that he now prefers operating on the wing for #ManCity.
[via @Jack_Gaughan]— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 25, 2021
The Premier League champions will get a modern great in their team, albeit past his prime, and could finally win the UCL title they desire so much. However, any move for Ronaldo will be extremely complicated since his club, Juventus, are asking for a hefty transfer fee.
But that isn’t the only problem at the club as the striker situation might force City’s hand into a move. Gabriel Jesus is the only recognised striker at the club, and the Brazilian forward has asked for a new position. Jesus performed incredibly well in City’s 5-0 romp of Norwich City.
Jesus assisted two goals, and despite not scoring himself, he was easily City’s best player. Gabriel operated from the right wing in that game and has reportedly asked to be played from that position more often.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester City moves closer
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As a result, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be left with zero strikers at his disposal. A move for Harry Kane failed after Tottenham Hotspur president Daniel Levy refused to sell, but Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t be half bad either.
Juventus are waiting for Manchester City official bid to arrive in the next hours to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave and he won’t be available for next match. 🚫🇵🇹 #Ronaldo
Mendes is now discussing Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester City.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2021
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According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo asked Juventus for a transfer, and the Italian club will comply. Ronaldo’s manager Jorge Mendes is trying to engineer a move, and it’ll be interesting to see if they can get the deal done in the final days of the transfer window.