After months of speculation linking him with a move away from Turin, Cristiano Ronaldo now looks likely to extend his stay at Juventus by another year by signing until 2023.
It had been expected that the Portuguese would return to either Manchester United or Sporting CP this summer, or that he would otherwise embark on one last new adventure with Paris Saint-Germain in France. But, things have changed.
Italian media outlets are now expecting the Juventus forward to pen a new contract at the Allianz Stadium. La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sport Mediaset have written of his anticipated extension on Monday, with the latter stating that it could be signed and sealed at some point this week.
Sport Mediaset reported that Jorge Mendes is due to travel to Turin and a final meeting between the player’s agent and the club could be organised before the European Championship final.
There is a chance, though, that Juventus’ decision to extend his contract is an attempt to avoid losing the player on a free transfer in 2022. By tying him down until 2023, the Old Lady might be able to take in some money for him next summer should they decide to part ways then, when his initial contract would have finished.
Despite Manchester City indicating their interest in Ronaldo, the star would stay with his current club even as he hopes to clinch the next Ballon d’or.
Ronaldo will turn 37 next season and 38 before the proposed extension will expire, so time is running out in his career if he is to play for Manchester United and Sporting CP again before he hangs up his boots. [MARCA]
