Manchester City discussed including Raheem Sterling in part-exchange to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, before pulling the plug on all negotiations, according to Globo.
Pep Guardiola’s defending Premier League champions held talks with the Bianconeri over a shock move for Manchester United icon Ronaldo. The Portuguese wants to leave Turin over the final days of the summer market, and Juventus are not opposed.
But Juventus would need to sign a replacement for Ronaldo if the 36-year-old is not leading Massimiliano Allegri’s attack. He scored 29 goals in 33 Serie A outings under Andrea Pirlo last season, plus seven across the cup competitions.
Juventus initially requested that Manchester City allowed them to sign Gabriel Jesus during discussions for Ronaldo to return to England. But Guardiola refused to include the Brazilian in any transfer, with the Citizens then suggesting Sterling as a potential alternative.
However, it became clear that Manchester City would have to pay Juventus £25m without any technical counterparts to sign Ronaldo. The five-time Balon d’Or winner would have signed a two-year contract had he moved to the Etihad Stadium.
Instead, the only time he lines up at the Etihad this term is likely to be for the visiting side. Fabrizio Romano reports Ronaldo wants to re-join Manchester United, who have made his agent Jorge Mendes an official contract proposal. Talks over a move are in the final stages.
Manchester City backed out of signing Ronaldo from Juventus over a lack of enthusiasm in the board, per Sky Sports. The Citizens recognise his qualities and felt they were his first-choice. But ultimately pulled the plug as he does not match the profile for potential targets.
Should Manchester City have parted with Sterling for Ronaldo?
Sterling has had a questionable future at Manchester City this summer, with his inclusion in talks with Juventus over Ronaldo only the latest occurrence of Guardiola’s side considering his place at the Etihad long-term. They also offered the England star to Tottenham during talks for Harry Kane, per the Daily Mail. But he was not interested in joining Spurs.
Manchester City’s decision to scrap signing Ronaldo could now see Sterling fall back into contention for a new contract. Reports by The Sun note the Sky Blues were to speak with their £49m signing over a new deal, as he only has two-years left on his £300k-p/w terms.
Sterling was willing to speak with Manchester City over extending his commitment to the club, too. But the winger could have a change of heart after they offered him to Juventus.
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