Cristiano Ronaldo has found a new club, but the links with Newcastle United have continued.
Ronaldo joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr following his November release from Manchester United. Shortly afterwards, reports from MARCA in Spain claimed that a clause had been inserted in Ronaldo’s contract that could allow the Portuguese star to join Newcastle next season, should the Magpies qualify for the Champions League.
Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo attends a press conference at the Mrsool Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on January 3, 2023, ahead of the unveiling ceremony. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle currently sit third in the Premier League but haven’t qualified for the Champions League knockout stages since 2002.
The Magpies have clear links with Saudi Arabia as they are owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund. But the speculation regarding Ronaldo and Newcastle has been quashed.
It is understood that no clause is in Ronaldo’s contract that would allow him to join Newcastle on loan should Eddie Howe’s side qualify for the Champions League. According to ESPN, Al Nassr labelled the report as ‘fake’ while Newcastle also dismissed the story.
MARCA have subsequently U-turned on the initial claims and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has also poured cold water on the report.
“We wish Cristiano all the best in his venture, but, from our point of view, there’s no truth in that,” said United’s head coach ahead of Tuesday night’s goalless draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.
Ronaldo himself has also played down suggestions of a return to Europe as he said after signing for Al Nassr: “In Europe my work is done.
“I won everything, I played at the most important clubs and for me now it is a new challenge in Asia.”
Ronaldo Newcastle loan rumours shut down by Howe after CR7’s transfer to Al-Nassr
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has dismissed speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a loan to Newcastle following his transfer to Al-Nassr.
WHAT HAPPENED? After Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia to officially complete his free transfer to Al-Nassr, reports emerged claiming that he could make a summer return to the Premier League by joining Newcastle United on loan if they qualify for the Champions League, due to a clause inserted in his contract. Howe was quick to pour water on the fire before Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday, though.
WHAT HE SAID: Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, the Magpies boss stated: “We wish Cristiano all the best in his new venture, but there’s no truth in that from our perspective.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Newcastle are flying high in the Premier League and look like genuine contenders for a top-four finish under Howe. However, after leaving Manchester United in rather sour fashion, Ronaldo insisted during his Al-Nassr unveiling that his ‘work in Europe is done’.
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WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE? With record signing Alexander Isak closing in on a return following a lengthy injury layoff and the club now benefiting from Saudi-backed ownership, Newcastle could bolster their squad in ways not involving Ronaldo this January, in order to boost their chances of Champions League qualification.
Source: shieldsgazette.com; goal.com
