Cristiano Ronaldo has been Juventus’ outstanding player since joining three summers ago. But the Portuguese could be on the verge of leaving Turin unless the Bianconeri change seasons.
According to Daily Mail, the former Real Madrid player could leave the Serie A giants if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s form this season, Juventus are fourth in the table, tied on points with fifth-placed Napoli.
The Portuguese moved from the Santiago Bernabeu to Turin in 2018, eager to test his mettle in Italy and help the Bianconeri win the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo has done very well since his transfer but Juventus’ inability to progress beyond the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals has been a huge frustration for the player. To make matters worse, the Old Lady now risks missing out on the Champions League next season. They are struggling to stay in on the Serie A podium, and this could be the last straw to break the camel’s back.
Juventus are 12 points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan and if they finish the season in the top four they will have to make tough decisions this summer, including putting Cristiano Ronaldo on sale.
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The Portuguese might not want to endure a season without the Champions League as he enters the end of his career. The club will also be eager to take the player’s astronomical salaries off their ledger to balance their finances.
Cristiano Ronaldo may not be the only player who could be on the starting list if Juventus end up playing in the Europa League next season.
The Bianconeri could also consider letting Aaron Ramsey, Matthijs de Ligt and Adrien Rabiot go. Alvaro Morata’s loan deal may not be renewed, while the future of Paulo Dybala is already in play after he flouted COVID-19 protocols.
Selling Cristiano Ronaldo might be easier said than done for Juventus as few clubs in the world would be able to afford the player’s current salary. Manchester United have been linked with the return of their prodigal son, but he is no longer an option for the Red Devils at this time.
Real Madrid are currently chasing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, so a return to the Santiago Bernabeu also seems unlikely this summer for the Portuguese.
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