Former Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become Manchester United’s best-paid player after his sensational return to Old Trafford, according to reports in Italy.
The 36-year-old Portuguese forward and Jorge Mendes were in ‘advanced talks’ with United on Friday afternoon over a stunning transfer from Juventus.
United reportedly made a £21.3m (€25m) bid to Juventus and made an offer of a two-year deal for Ronaldo.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was subject to intense transfer speculation linking him with a move to reigning Premier League holders Manchester City.
However, City turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo and pulled out of negotiations on Friday.
United announced on Friday that they had reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Ronaldo.
Welcome 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, @Cristiano 🔴#MUFC | #Ronaldo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2021
According to Sky Italia, United’s contract offer for Ronaldo would see the Red Devils legend earn a staggering £480,000 per week.
Sky Italy: Manchester United offering Cristiano Ronaldo two-year deal worth £480,000 a week
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 27, 2021
The Portugal captain’s wages would climb him to the top of the Premier League club’s highest-paid players ahead of David de Gea, who earns £375,000 per week on his current United deal.
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Spotrac reveals that summer signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane are on £350,000 and £340,000 per week respectively, while Paul Pogba is the fifth best-paid player on a £290,000-a-week contract.
Ronaldo informed Juventus of his desire to leave the club this summer ahead of his contract expiring in 2022.
The wantaway Juventus forward visited the club’s Continassa training complex on Friday, as Ronaldo emptied his locker and bid his farewell to his former teammates.
Ronaldo has since returned to Portugal and will complete his medical in Lisbon ahead of officially re-signing for United, according to the Manchester Evening News.
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The Red Devils confirmed in an official statement that Ronaldo’s move is “subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.”
Ronaldo arrived at United in 2003 from Sporting CP and won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international, who also lifted the first of his five Ballon d’Or awards at United, left Old Trafford in 2009 to complete an £80m move to Los Blancos.
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