Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a swap move to SSC Napoli, with Victor Osimhen moving the opposite way to Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes is working around the clock to find the solution his client wants, which is to be playing in the Champions League. With Borussia Dortmund being the most recent club to reject a move for the star player, the latest deal proposed by Ronaldo’s agent is for Ronaldo to move to Napoli, and striker Victor Osimhen to move to Old Trafford.
The Nigerian is the main striker of the Italian club and has been there for the past two years. His contract at the club lasts till 2025, but his talent is attracting interest this summer from all over Europe. The Naples club are looking for €120 million for Osimhen, and if Ronaldo joins Napoli on loan, they would like United to pay 80% of the Portuguese’s salary.
A lot of questions hovered when Erik ten Hag was appointed as United’s new boss. The Dutchman uses an intricately embroidered possession-based system that relies heavily on a proactive and energetic pressing structure. Doubts further popped up as Ronaldo requested an absence from United’s training ahead of pre-season.
Ronaldo did return to Carrington eventually to sort out his future. As no headway was made, the Portuguese returned to training and even played 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano in the pre-season. However, a tepid performance followed by reports that Ronaldo departed from the stadium even before the final whistle left the fans even more disgruntled.
Ten Hag told both Ronaldo and club captain Harry Maguire that they would not be starting against Liverpool, who United beat 2-1 at Old Trafford last week to record their first win of the campaign. Anthony Martial has been excellent in the central role. The Frenchman has got able support from Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Christian Eriksen adds further depth to the attack.
Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian international has scored 30 goals and assisted 10 in his 65 appearances for Napoli (stats via Transfermarkt) so far. The Gli Azzurri brought him to Italy by paying €70 million plus add-ons to his previous club LOSC Lille. Considering his importance, it is understandable why they want to maximise the profit on his sale if it takes place.
Victor Osimhen has a very good build that helps him in winning physical duels. That could be extremely helpful as the Premier League is known for its physicality. He could be a real threat on the counter due to his superb pace and he can also dribble quite well with the ball at his feet. Most importantly, he is excellent at finishing and that also includes being extremely comfortable in scoring from crosses.
The Nigerian has a great eye for spotting spaces on the pitch and is good at making intelligent runs behind the opposition defence. Moreover, he is also very good at linkup play and is adept at receiving the ball with his back to goal. His quality first touch won’t compromise a good chance created by his team.
Another thing he is very good at is pressing. He creates pressure and could force the opposition defence to play risky long balls which can make them concede possession.
His strong build helps him in holding up the ball and he can also create chances with his one-touch passing. However, what Ten Hag’s side can most gain from the player is his directness inside the box and lethal finishing as he is very clinical inside the 18-yard box. The 23-year-old is very similar to Romelu Lukaku in this aspect.
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The Ronaldo transfer saga has been dragging on for some time now, and it is something Erik ten Hag can do without as he prepares to keep the winning momentum going after another win against Southampton this weekend.
The Portuguese superstar continues to be linked with a move away just a year after returning to United and at this point, Ten Hag is said to be fed up with the saga and wants him out. Reports suggest that Ronaldo earns around £360,000 per week in wages and with him not being a sure-shot starter at United now, it is better for both parties to move on.
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