Man Utd star in line for Cristiano Ronaldo reunion, as Fabrizio Romano confirms Ten Hag will wave goodbye
A Man Utd star who has no future at Old Trafford is being lined up by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, though a move to a Turkish giant is an outside possibility, per a report.
The Manchester Evening News recently reported Man Utd could axe as many as 10 first-team stars this summer. Something of a clear-out is anticipated, with exits potentially coming from every department of Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Among those listed by the piece’s author, Samuel Luckhurst, was forgotten left-back, Alex Telles.
The 30-year-old is currently out on loan at Sevilla, though has lost his starting left-back role to Argentina international, Marcos Acuna.
Sevilla didn’t negotiate an option to buy in Telles’ loan. However, Football Espana reported Sevilla can complete a permanent move from scratch if they’re prepared to stump up just €10m (approx. £8.8m).
The modest Man Utd valuation is in part due to Telles’ age, though also because the Brazilian is no longer needed at Old Trafford. The fact he’s out of contract at the end of next season further weakens Man Utd’s bargaining poisition.
Luke Shaw remains a firm fixture in Ten Hag’s plans, while summer recruit Tyrell Malacia provides adequate back-up.
As such, Fabrizio Romano revealed Telles would return to Manchester this summer, though perhaps not for long.
“From what I understand, there is no buy option in the contract,” said Romano via his YouTube channel in March. “So he will be back to Man Utd at the end of the season.
“At the moment, Sevilla are not planning to make a bid to sign Telles on a permanent transfer.
“The expectation is for Man Utd to look for a new option for him because Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are two very good players who are appreciated by Ten Hag.
“Telles’ future could be in a different club, but back to Man Utd first and then with a potential new solution.”
Now, a fresh update from Spanish outlet AS has detailed two potential escape routes for Telles.
Telles can link up with Ronaldo at Al Nassr
The first is through joining Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr whose star attraction is Cristiano Ronaldo.
The United and Portugal legend has scored 12 in 12 in the Saudi Pro League since his high profile arrival at the turn of the year.
AS claim Telles could reunite with Ronaldo in the middle east after Al Nassr took an interest in the player.
They’re said to be ‘willing to cover’ his salary, which presumably means Telles won’t have to absorb a pay-cut on what he currently earns in England.
Whether they’re prepared to pay a transfer fee isn’t stated. However, as Football Espana previously noted, Telles won’t command a sizeable sum anyway.
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One thing Telles must carefully consider before greenlighting a move to Saudi Arabia is how it might impact his international ambitions.
Indeed, Telles was included in Brazil’s most recent squad for the friendly clash with Morocco in March. It’s acknowledged moving to a ‘minor league’ in the form of the Saudi top flight could be looked upon unfavourably by interim Brazil boss Ramon Menezes.
As such, remaining in Europe remains a possibility and the idea of re-joining former club Galatasaray is floated.
Telles was on the Turkish powerhouse’s books between 2014-16 and a return there is labelled ‘possible’ by AS.
