United open “secret talks” to re-sign red-hot forward, INEOS will trigger shock €50m release clause – report

Manchester United are preparing to “finalise” a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo as the 40-year-old forward pushes for a return to European football, according to an almost unbelievable report from Spain. Old Trafford 3.0? Ronaldo left Old Trafford in late 2022 to seal a free transfer to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after an explosive fallout with then-manager Erik ten Hag. The previous year, the Portugal international, who is his country’s all-time top scorer and record appearance maker, had returned to the Red Devils from Juventus for his second spell at the Mancunian club in a deal which stunned the Premier League, though ultimately ended in disaster. Ronaldo’s switch to Saudi Arabia made him the best-paid athlete in the world, dwarfing his nearest competitor – NBA superstar Stephen ‘Steph’ Curry. In a lower-quality league, the ageing forward’s goal-scoring prowess has not slowed, with 111 goals in 127 appearances for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo – Career Record ClubMatchesGoalsYears Active Sporting CP3152002-2003 Man United2921182003-2009 Real Madrid4384502009-2018 Juventus1341012018-2021 Man United54272021-2022 Al Nassr1271112022- Portugal2261432003- However, in an explosive twist, Fichajes contends Ronaldo is now actively pushing for a third spell at the Theatre of Dreams, with INEOS having opened talks to complete the deal. Talks Ongoing The Spanish outlet states “discussions are ongoing” between both parties, with Ronaldo understood to be willing to accept an enormous “financial sacrifice” to facilitate the deal.  The Portuguese’s contract in Riyadh contains a “release clause of €50 million” – a considerable fee, though one which needs to be balanced against the significant commercial income the transfer would engender. The report reveals Ronaldo is intent on bringing an “end [to] his glorious career at the Theatre of Dreams” with “secret negotiations” underway to complete his return.  Old Trafford executives are said to see the 40-year-old’s experience as a crucial factor in their decision, with a firm belief that his reintroduction will “serve as a catalyst for a winning mindset among the young talents currently in the first team.” Final Thoughts: An ‘Unbelievable’ deal United re-signing Ronaldo is a genuinely unbelievable prospect, in the most literal sense – it is not believable. Fichajes has a sketchy reputation for blockbuster updates which do not always come to fruition. And while Ronaldo maintains close ties to the Spanish capital, given his exploits with Real Madrid, this is a deal which makes zero sense, for either party. INEOS have just decided upon the exit of one ageing ex-Madrid star on huge wages; the idea they would then double down on a move to bring another one back to Old Trafford – no matter how legendary their status in football – is one which exists only in the Fichajes’ news room. Featured image Yasser Bakhsh via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.