Man City intent on matching world transfer record to land superstar
Published:The £80million Real Madrid paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo remains a world record transfer fee, but Manchester City could be set to test the Spanish club’s resolve by offering the same amount for the Portuguese’s services this summer.
Ronaldo recently became the fastest player to rack up 100 La Liga goals, achieving the feat in just 92 league appearances, yet, somewhat unbelievably, he has a strained relationship with Madrid fans, who often criticise his work ethic.
City have been alerted by this, and funded by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour, they would reportedly be willing to match the world record transfer fee, whilst also offering Ronaldo between £400,000 and £500,000 per week, which would make him quite easily the world’s highest-paid player.
Although his strong Man United connections would seem to make a move unlikely, preliminary discussions are believed to have been held to determine Ronaldo’s interest in a move back to England, and as his agent Jorge Mendes enjoys a close relationship with several City officials, the potential transfer may not be as far fetched as it would initially appear.
A marquee signing is an absolute priority for City, as their Abu Dhabi owners aim to fully establish the club as one of world football’s new leading powers, and they would stay within financial fair play regulations by offloading several of their current high earners including Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko, to offer Ronaldo a staggering financial package.
They are also believed to be prepared to invest heavily in Ronaldo’s CR7 marketing brand, and in the belief that they will recoup much of their outgoing spend on the Portuguese star through merchandising ventures, would fund a series of soccer schools under that brand name.
The fact that the player is set for a massive wage hike the longer his Real Madrid contract progresses could also tempt the Spanish outfit to do business, and the notion of Cristiano Ronaldo becoming a Manchester City player can no longer be deemed unthinkable.
