Real Madrid Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo, PSG Meeting Reported, Top Rumours

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly sat with Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi earlier this month to discuss a possible transfer, which is said to be one of five meetings between the pair. 

That’s according to France Football (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star), which stated Ronaldo and Al-Khelaifi came face-to-face in a Paris hotel the day after the Portuguese inspired Los Blancos to a memorable 3-0 win over Wolfsburg.

“Ronaldo booked a private jet to fly from Torrejon airport in Madrid to Le Bourget to the north of the French capital for the secret chat,” Harvey reported. “The Portuguese forward was taken by car to Hotel Costes with his friend Anass Oufizi to meet Al-Khelaifi. The pair talked about next season and a sensational move to PSG.”

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It’s then noted that this was not the first time the pair have scheduled a meeting, having previously held discussions on four occasions.

Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror isn’t surprised by the stories, although he finds it difficult to see how any potential deal would be accepted by Madridistas:

Indeed, while Ronaldo didn’t begin this season particularly well by his own high standards, since the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as manager he’s been in majestic form again.

The former Manchester United man looks like a revitalised player. He has more freedom than he did under Benitez, and, as a result, we’re witnessing the kind of all-action displays that saw Ronaldo inspire Madrid to Champions League glory in 2013-14. PSG, naturally, would love to get him on board.

There are some who’d raise concerns about a potential transfer. Not only would Ronaldo cost a substantial amount, he’s beyond his absolute peak as a footballer. As he moves into the twilight years of his career, that dynamism is only likely to deteriorate, and you wonder whether that kind of money could be better utilised elsewhere.

Still, as Squawka Football noted, despite the fact he’s 31, Ronaldo has been in peak physical condition throughout this season:

From PSG’s point of view, a marquee capture may be needed in the summer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a talisman and leader for this team in recent campaigns; he’s set to leave at the end of the campaign with his contract due to expire. Ronaldo is one of a select few in world football that’d be capable of filling those shoes.

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Sky Sports reported that the French champions are also eyeing up former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for next season. Rory Smith of the Times thinks that could potentially block Ronaldo’s route to the French capital:

Real would have to think very carefully before they consider a sale, though. Ronaldo may be past his best, and the offer could well be brilliant business when looking at the club in the long term. But Real have always been about the here and now, and if they were to move on such a prolific player, replacing him for next season would be an impossible task.

Ronaldo may feel a new challenge is in order. After all, he’s won plenty of honours with Real, has become the club’s all-time top goalscorer and been a key figure at the Santiago Bernabeu since he signed for the football club in 2009. Nevertheless, Los Blancos must resist any advances from the French champions.