Which MLS teams can sign Cristiano Ronaldo?
Given the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future and the possibility of switching clubs in 2023, some MLS clubs have emerged as options.
While the uncertainty about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo continues to grow given his likely departure from Manchester United, some clubs have already set their sights on in the Portuguese striker. Signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in 2023 would no doubt be one of the shocks of the summer.
Although at the moment the most likely option - and Ronaldo’s current aspiration - is to stay in European football, some MLS teams have started to sound like possible options, with Inter Miami being the most viable right now.
According to Kevin Baxter of the LA Times, the two teams from Los Angeles could be added as possible options for Cristiano. However, for the signing of the Portuguese star to materialise, a long series of demands and variables would have to be agreed upon.
That is why, in the event that Jorge Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo opt for a change of league after their time at Manchester United and after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Inter Miami in MLS would be the best option. This is most likely due to the fact that David Beckham’s team will have franchise player places spare, which have been made available after the retirement of Gonzalo Higuaín, the possible departure of Rodolfo Pizarro and the expiration of Alejandro Pozuelo’s contract.
Los Angeles is an unlikely destination, but one that could tempt Ronaldo
Although LA Galaxy and LAFC currently have all three franchise player slots filled, the possibility of seeing Cristiano in one of the two Los Angeles colours is not completely impossible.
If it becomes the case that the new MLS broadcast agreement opens up an additional franchise player position, Cristiano could land stateside without any problems at both LA Galaxy or LAFC. Having said this, it should be taken into account that various rumours suggest the Galaxy will sign Luis Suárez in the next transfer window.
Likewise, the aforementioned journalist refers to the fact that the broadcast agreement with Apple TV+ could give MLS clubs a new salary structure. One with which, despite the fact that Cristiano would have to agree to a significant pay cut, would allow him to earn even more than that of Lorenzo Insigne, earns $14 million dollars per year with Toronto FC.