While it was one of the biggest football stories of the year, few were surprised when it was announced that Cristiano Ronaldo would be leaving Manchester United. After his extensive criticism of the club in an explosive interview, the outcome was inevitable.
For the next few weeks, the player will be focusing on international duties as his Portugal team look to go deep into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Once the tournament is finished, Ronaldo will be looking for new employers.
There is no shortage of speculation in regards to the next destination for one the game’s greatest. Here are all of the main contenders.
Premier League Clubs Assemble
The sports betting industry will actually publish markets relating to the biggest impending transfers. Options for Cristiano Ronaldo’s next club had been in place for several weeks but involvement has increased on the back of this breaking news.
The favourites for Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature are English Premier League side Chelsea. The West London club fit the profile as big spenders and they would be able to offer the player a chance to play in the Champions League.
The top betting sites in Saudi Arabia have mentioned other possible destinations in England. Newcastle United and Everton both appear in those early markets, although they are some way behind the market leaders Chelsea.
The odds in question are sourced by ArabianBetting.com who cover many more football betting options. Their panel of recommended sportsbooks will continue to monitor the situation and the Cristiano Ronaldo next club odds will adjust until an outcome is confirmed.
Visitors to the ArabianBetting website can also take in news stories relating to the topic, while useful betting guides are also published. Those who feel confident enough to take things further have the option to get involved with the markets.
All sportsbooks linking to the site will be ready to accept new customers. Subject to eligibility and a completed online registration form, many will also have a generous welcome package to get the account underway.
A range of funding providers can help customers to cover qualifying bets while there are other benefits to look forward to. Regular players can usually take up ongoing promotions while live bets, mobile apps and alternative sports will also be available.
Chelsea may be the frontrunners, but there will be more options for Cristiano Ronaldo once the World Cup comes to a close.
A Fairytale Return
The early favourites for Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature were Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese side were CR7’s first club and this would clearly be something of a fairytale return.
Unfortunately, unlike most fairy stories, this one may not have a happy ending. Head Coach Ruben Amorim had effectively ruled out a move for Sporting’s former player when he said back in August that the club simply couldn’t afford him.
One estimate suggested that the player would have to take a 95% wage cut to go back to Sporting and that’s an unlikely scenario.
Another Reign in Spain
Could Cristiano Ronaldo set up another reunion, this time in Spain? Former club Real Madrid are among a number of teams in the chasing pack behind favourites Chelsea. CR7 spent nine years at the Bernabeu between 2009 and 2018, picking up multiple trophies including no fewer than four Champions League winners’ medals.
Real should certainly have no issues with meeting those wage demands, but would they be receptive to welcoming back a player who is close to the end of his career?
The Best of the Rest
At 37, it’s debatable as to how long Cristiano Ronaldo can compete at the top level. Manchester United seemed to feel that he was some way past his prime while former team mate Wayne Rooney suggested that the player was struggling to deal with his advancing years.
Could that lead to a move to Major League Soccer in the United States where the competition is less intense? There is an option in those markets for a transfer to any MLS club and there is some early interest.
Other sides, including PSG, Napoli and Roma are mentioned. He certainly won’t be short of options when this World Cup comes to a close, but which club is most likely to land the coveted signature of Cristiano Ronaldo?