After collecting an unprecedented fifth Champions League winning medal, more than any other play in history, Cristiano Ronaldo told reporters, via Sky Sports, post-final that "it was beautiful to be at Real Madrid," with the tense of that statement getting picked apart by transfer reports all around the world of football.
Sky Sports carried follow-up quotes with the dust settled on the game with Ronaldo admitting his timing was a bit off; "I spoke when I shouldn't have done but something is going to happen. It wasn't the right time, but I was honest."
"In a week I'll say something because the fans have always supported me and are in my heart. I don't speak much, but when I speak, I speak.”
Speculation will rumble until CR7 does speak on this matter, and so What Are The Odds looks at the Ronaldo’s next club odds market via Paddy Power.
Real Madrid could be looking at a summer of transfer upheaval and potentially losing not just Gareth Bale but also talisman Ronaldo, if his cryptic quotes lead to him announcing he will be looking to join a new club in the summer.
Paddy Power are giving the slight edge to former club Manchester United and a reunion with former manager Jose Mourinho, with odds of 7/2 (4.50). Success is ingrained in the Old Trafford DNA and fans of the club would surely welcome their former star back with open arms, but with the club seemingly in-need of new defenders and midfielders would there be a spot for Ronaldo in this Mourinho-shaped Man Utd?
Paris-Saint Germain are just a bit further back in the running with odds of 5/1 (6.00). Interestingly, new boss Thomas Tuchel could (if all these crazy transfer rumours are true) see Neymar head to Real and Ronaldo come in the other direction. Undoubtedly if PSG are to lose their star Brazilian Neymar, their quest to win a first Champions League title under this ownership will need a superstar in it - that might just be the five-time history-making winner CR7.
If Ronaldo feels like he’s done all he needs to in Europe then a move to the MLS is on at 9/1 (10.0), but with the Portuguese star recently stating he’ll play until his early 40’s - is the time right for a move to the US? It would be a bit of surprise seeing as there will be no shortage of big project offers nearer to home in England and France.
Probability of Ronaldo's next club
| Next Club | Ronaldo Transfer Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man Utd | 7/2 | 22.22% | |
| PSG | 5/1 | 16.67% | |
| Any MLS Club | 9/1 | 10.00% | |
| Any Chinese Club | 11/1 | 8.33% | |
| Man City | 11/1 | 8.33% | |
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