Cristiano Ronaldo may ignore Real Madrid romance as Barcelona ‘offer Man Utd escape’

Cristiano Ronaldo could ignore his close connections with Real Madrid to escape Manchester United this summer, with the La Liga giants’ fiercest rivals Barcelona in talks over a stunning transfer. Jorge Mendes has landed in Spain as he attempts to help Ronaldo break out of Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.

Ronaldo has informed United of his desire to leave the club during the summer transfer window, halfway through the two-year contract he signed after returning to Manchester last year. The 37-year-old striker wants to spend the remaining seasons of his stellar career in Europe’s elite competition, something his current club can’t offer in 2022/23.

But Barcelona can, and despite their financial woes, they could be positioning themselves to offer Ronaldo an incredible route out of England. According to AS, Jorge Mendes is meeting club president Joan Laporta for dinner in Barcelona, with his five-time Ballon d’Or-winning client on the agenda.

They are discussing several names, including Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and Wolves’ Ruben Neves. But Laporta is also pondering the possibility of adding Ronaldo to the Blaugrana’s ranks ahead of the new campaign, reigniting his interest after wanting the iconic No 7 before he returned to United in August.

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