Cristiano Ronaldo linked with return to former club with Al Nassr prepared to see him leave – Paper Round
Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to former club Sporting Club, while Arsenal lead the battle for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka. Elsewhere, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has a decision to make on his Anfield future and Manchester United could retain coach Steve Holland, even if Michael Carrick leaves this summer.
Al Nassr could sell Cristiano Ronaldo
Sporting Club could make an offer to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club where he began his professional career.
The Portuguese international is unsettled at Al Nassr and The Sun points out he has a £43 million release clause.
The paper writes: “Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with an emotional return to Sporting Lisbon amid his tense stand-off with current club Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
“Ronaldo, 41, went on strike on Monday and was left out of Jorge Jesus’ squad for the second time today amid a row with the club’s majority owners, the Public Investment Fund.
“Saudi chiefs are ready to move on if the Portugal captain decides to leave in the summer.
“The Al Nassr skipper has a contract until June 2027, but suitors will be issued with a cut-price release clause worth £43 million at the end of the season.
“Sporting, which is where Ronaldo’s glittering 24-year career kicked off, could get their famous academy graduate back if they manage to raise the aforementioned funds.”
Arsenal hold advantage in race for Goretzka
Leon Goretzka’s preference for playing in the Premier League next season could give Arsenal an advantage in the battle to sign the midfielder.
The 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder is available on a free transfer in the summer and has also been linked with Serie A giants AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli.
The Mirror reports: “Arsenal will be among the sides attempting to sign Leon Goretzka on a free transfer in the summer. The Gunners reportedly made unsuccessful enquiries about the Bayern Munich star in January – but they could have an advantage at the end of the season.
“Arsenal were keen to sign a central midfielder in January after losing Mikel Merino to a broken foot. Goretzka and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali were among those linked with a move to north London, only for Mikel Arteta’s side to end the window without any reinforcements.
“He will not be short of offers in the summer, with Arsenal and Atleti being joined by AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli, according to Bild. Arsenal could have an advantage over their rivals, however, because Goretzka is particularly keen to play in the Premier League, which he believes would perfectly suit his style.”
Jones’ Liverpool future to be decided
The Athletic believes that Liverpool are determined to make sure that midfielder Curtis Jones will not leave the club on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old was a target in the winter transfer window for Internazionale and he is in the final 18 months of his contract at Anfield.
The website explains: “When Inter were linked with a move for Jones late in the winter transfer window, Liverpool’s stance could not have been any stronger.
“They had no interest in letting him leave, whether on loan or in a permanent deal, and were focused on strengthening their squad — or at the very least, maintaining what they already had. Jones was recognised as a useful and integral part of the group.
“This summer, he will enter the final year of his contract, leading him towards a crossroads in his career.
“Liverpool would be loath to lose another local lad for nothing after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit last June, so attention will soon turn to Jones and what happens next.”
Holland could stay on without Carrick
The Telegraph believes that Steve Holland could stay on at Manchester United even if Michael Carrick does not get the permanent Old Trafford job.
After Holland’s brief spell at J-League club Yokohama F Marinos, Carrick brought the former England assistant into his coaching setup, where he has received plenty of credit.
The Telegraph states: “It does raise the question whether Holland may stay at United beyond the summer, even if Carrick does not.
“Back in Cheshire after his time in Japan, Holland was awaiting the next challenge when Carrick approached him to be part of the coaching team. Holland and Carrick met and felt that they could work together. Jason Wilcox, United’s sporting director, supported the idea.”
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