Paris Saint-Germain have rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United this summer, according to a report.
The 37-year-old wants to leave Old Trafford to return to the Champions League. Indeed, the Red Devils only finished sixth in the Premier League last season, leaving them with Europa League football instead.
And Ronaldo, whose achievements in Europe’s premier competition have fuelled his five Ballon d’Or titles, wants to continue his legacy at the top table before he retires.
However, the Portugal star is finding an exit route hard to come by. German champions Bayern Munich have already said no after signing Sadio Mane and Ryan Gravenberch. They are also closing in on the signing of Matthijs de Ligt.
There is also doubt as to whether Chelsea want Ronaldo. The Blues have signed Raheem Sterling and are looking at Antony and Serge Gnabry as targets for a second attacking signing.
ESPN now reports that PSG have become the latest club to close the door on a deal for the goalscorer.
Firstly, the French champions don’t feel Ronaldo’s signing would be right for their club in the current transfer window.
What’s more, they have concerns over how the impact of the Man Utd star on their wage bill and team selection.
Kylian Mbappe’s massive new contract and his attacking partnership with Lionel Messi and Neymar are obvious obstacles. Adding Ronaldo to the mix would potentially cause friction in the camp.
Following reports of former PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino being unable to handle the dressing room, the Parisians do not want new manager Christophe Galtier getting off on the wrong foot on that front.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has therefore discussed his client’s move to PSG with club chiefs to no avail.
Ronaldo likely to stay at Man Utd
As it stands, it looks as if Ronaldo is in fact headed nowhere this summer.
Only a select few clubs can take on his wages, but PSG and Bayern have said no.
If Chelsea go after a different attacking option besides the Portugal star to fit in with Sterling, boss Thomas Tuchel would be highly unlikely to sign Ronaldo as a third attacking signing.
And ESPN claims that Tuchel is not keen on bringing the forward to Stamford Bridge anyway.
As for other clubs who could sign him, Barcelona are putting their focus into a deal for Leeds United’s Raphinha instead.
Real Madrid and Juventus could both technically be options, but again finances and the current sporting pathway of both clubs make deals with the Spanish and Italian giants unlikely.
Ronaldo would no doubt be welcome to stay at United given he top-scored there last season with 24 goals.
However, it remains unclear if his heart is in an Old Trafford stay given the Europa League football on offer.
