Jon Smith, one of the key people in the formation of the Premier League and a football agent claims Newcastle United could sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer following transfer speculations linking him with a move from Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has already held talks with Chelsea interim sporting director and acting Chairman Todd Boehly over a possible transfer of Ronaldo to the west London club.
Jorge Mendes has also held talks with Barcelona regarding a potential move to Barcelona. Bayern Munich also wants the 37-year-old Portuguese international following Robert Lewandowski’s desire to leave Bayern Munich with Barcelona as his preferred destination.
The five times Ballon D’or winner was Manchester United’s best player despite their woeful season. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 39 outings for the Red Devils including 18 goals in Premier League.
There are rumors that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford because of Manchester United’s slow activities in the transfer market. The fear that he could lose his Champions League top goal scorer to Lionel Messi with 16 goals separating the two greats.
What did Jon Smith say?
Super-agent in an interview with Caught offside on Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential move to Newcastle, He said: “When you think about it logically, a potential move for Ronaldo to Newcastle United is one of the few deals that runs the least risk of upsetting too many parties. Whereas, for example, if he went to the Etihad, the Glazers would have a lot of unhappy fans on their case.
“If the Portugal international were to make a shock move to the North East, the club’s owners would make sure everybody involved was financially rewarded – legally, but also creatively. When it comes to potential agent’s fees, they would be astronomical!”
The Super-agent added: “For me, although I wouldn’t completely rule Chelsea out, if Ronaldo were to join the Magpies, it would tick a lot of ‘fun’ and ‘whacky’ boxes and that is exactly what the Premier League is all about.
“Although the Red Devils won’t publicly admit to wanting to lose Ronaldo, he is 37 years old and I know he is super fit, but at this level at that age, just one injury changes everything. I think if and when he does agree on a move elsewhere, there will be a silent sigh of relief behind the scenes at Manchester United.”
Jon Smith insisted Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United is over.
He wrote in his sixth column of Caughtoffside: “I think Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United. I think everyone knows it’s over – for good this time, too.
“He did a great job last year but it is just not going to work for Erik ten Hag to have him at Old Trafford next season. There is only room for one boss.
“Regarding potential destinations – it is really difficult. I don’t think he will go to Man City, Liverpool doesn’t need him, and Chelsea is considered an option but I am not sure how serious they are.
“There will be a deal somewhere though and some fans may not like this, but I wonder if Newcastle United will try their luck.”
