Sporting Lisbon have reportedly informed Manchester United about the possibility of re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, but only on a free transfer.
The Portugal star has been at focus of one of the most high-profile transfer sagas this summer, having allegedly told Manchester United in early July that he wants to move this summer.
Ronaldo has played in his team’s first two Premier League games of the 2022-23 season, but he appears to be determined to leave before the deadline, with the forward desperate to play once again in the Champions League this season.
Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid are among the clubs said to have turned down the opportunity to sign him this summer, while AC Milan and Inter Milan are also said to have declined a move.
However, there has been speculation of a return to Sporting in recent weeks, and a transfer to the Portuguese giants is now a serious possibility, according to The Independent.
According to the report, the Green and Whites have spoken with Manchester United about bringing the Portuguese back to the club on a free transfer.
Do Sporting Lisbon Want To Re-Sign Ronaldo?
Sporting would reportedly be able to re-sign Ronaldo provided that they did not have to pay a transfer fee, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils would be willing to let him leave on a free transfer, with his contract continuing until next June and there is also the option of an additional 12-month extension.
Ronaldo joined Sporting at the age of 12 and worked his way through the club’s youth system before making his first-team debut in 2002.
The forward’s performance for the Lions against Manchester United in 2003 convinced the 20-time English champions to sign him, and he starred throughout his initial stint at the club.
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Are Sporting Lisbon In The Champions League 2022?
Sporting will participate in the Champions League this season after finishing second in their domestic league previous season, securing an automatic spot in the group stage.
Ronaldo is 15 goals ahead of Lionel Messi at the top of the European Cup scoring records, having netted 140 times in the competition, and it is said that his desire to maintain his lead at the top is one of the key reasons he is so desperate to continue playing Champions League football this season.
The Portuguese’s agent Jorge Mendes is reported to have held talks with a number of Champions League clubs about a move for his client this summer.
Mendes’ efforts to secure an exit have thus far been futile, but Sporting are now firmly at the top of the line for his signing.
Ronaldo trained with Manchester United as normal on Wednesday, with the 20-time English champions preparing for their next Premier League game against Liverpool on Monday.
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