Chelsea told ‘the only way’ they can agree Cristiano Ronaldo deal after Saudi twist
Cristiano Ronaldo is being linked with a stunning return to the Premier League after growing unhappy at Al-Nassr and refusing to play for three games.
Chelsea have been tipped among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation in case the opportunity arises to bring the legendary forward back to England.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that a move for Ronaldo will only be viable if he takes a significant pay cut.
A return to English football is considered highly unlikely as things stand given the finances involved if a fee and his lofty wages are all included in the move.
While Chelsea are the most likely club to be able to afford Ronaldo, they will not be expected to make a move for his signature barring a dramatic twist.
Cristiano Ronaldo unlikely to make Premier League return
Brown told Football Insider on 10 February that Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr for free as a result of his refusal to play, with a return to Europe in mind.
The striker returned to action for Al-Nassr and scored twice in a 4-0 win against Al-Hazem, after which he reaffirmed his commitment to the club, although doubts have lingered.
“I can’t see Ronaldo coming back to the Premier League,” Brown told Football Insider.
“The only way would be if he was going to be available on a free transfer and on reasonable wages, then it might be a possibility, but that isn’t going to be the case.
“It will take a big fee to get him away from Saudi Arabia, and then he’s going to be demanding big money wherever he goes because of who he is.
“Somebody like Chelsea for example might be able to afford it theoretically, but they’re not going to spend that kind of money on a 41-year-old.
“Even if he does end up leaving Saudi Arabia, I don’t think there’s any way he will come back to England.”
Could Man United make a surprise move for Ronaldo?
Chelsea are not the only club who have been linked with a move for Ronaldo after his latest antics, with some suggesting a return to Man United could be on the cards.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 12 February that Man United will not re-sign Ronaldo and have no interest in bringing him back to Old Trafford.
Not only did he leave Old Trafford under a cloud after being heavily critical of the facilities following his last spell, but he would not fit into the club’s transfer plans.
Football Insider revealed on 6 February that Ronaldo could push to leave Al-Nassr in similar style to his departure from Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
The Portugal international was refusing to play for Al-Nassr, although his return and recent comments have cooled speculation that he could force a move.
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