Transfer news 5/2: Ronaldo considering leaving Al-Nassr, MU spending £100 million to revamp midfield.

The global football transfer market on the morning of February 5th witnessed major changes involving top stars. The focus was on Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr and Manchester United's ambitious spending plans to revamp their midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo is considering leaving the Saudi Pro League.

Striker Cristiano Ronaldo is causing a stir with the possibility of leaving Al-Nassr in June. According to sources from ESPN and Fichajes, the Portuguese superstar is reportedly requesting an early termination of his contract to seek new challenges. Notably, Ronaldo is said to have boycotted the club's second consecutive match, despite having previously posted images of himself training normally.

If he leaves the Saudi Pro League, the most likely destination for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be a return to Sporting Lisbon – where he began his professional career. Returning to his homeland to play in the final years of his career is considered a logical step for Ronaldo to maintain his fitness and prepare for future plans.

Manchester United target a £100 million midfield trio.

In England, Manchester United are stepping up their plans to revamp their midfield with young, promising targets. According to reports from The Athletic, the Old Trafford club's priority list currently includes three prominent names in the Premier League: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), and Carlos Baleba (Brighton).

All three players are currently performing impressively and are considered a good fit for the Red Devils' new football philosophy. However, the price to complete this deal is not cheap, expected to reach £100 million. Carlos Baleba, in particular, is seen as a strategic addition to strengthen the physicality and defensive capabilities of MU's midfield.

Fluctuations in Europe's top national leagues.

Besides the major deals, the transfer market also saw other notable developments from big clubs like Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. Defender Dayot Upamecano is ready to commit his long-term future to Bayern Munich with a new contract that runs until June 2030.

In Spain, Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring Cristian Romero's situation at Tottenham. The Argentinian defender is reportedly at odds with the London club's management following a controversial social media post. Atletico are ready to "rescue" Romero if he decides to leave.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal successfully retained midfielder Ruben Neves. The Portuguese international officially extended his contract until June 2029, putting an end to rumors linking him to a return to the Premier League to play for Manchester United.

Update on other notable deals

The goalkeeping market is also heating up, with Sunderland's Robin Roefs attracting the attention of three big clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool. The Dutch goalkeeper's value is predicted to be no less than £50 million. Conversely, Leeds United's Illan Meslier is very close to joining Besiktas in Türkiye after reaching a personal agreement.

In the Premier League, Wolves have agreed to sell Jhon Arias to Palmeiras for £21.6 million. In other news, West Ham missed out on Eddie Nketiah from Crystal Palace despite agreeing a £27 million fee, primarily due to the striker's unexpected last-minute injury.

Regarding the coaching position, former midfielder Robbie Savage is a leading candidate for the hot seat at Blackburn Rovers. The Ewood Park club's management believes Savage's personality and experience are well-suited to lead the club through its current difficult period.