Transfer Rumors: Ronaldo’s Return to Former Club; Liverpool Eye €95 Million Salah Successor

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is once again the subject of intense speculation after fresh reports linked the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a sensational return to Sporting CP, the Portuguese giants where he began his professional career. Sources close to Football Transfers indicate that renewed contact has been made despite a recent détente in the previously strained relationship between Ronaldo and current club Al Nassr.

The 39-year-old forward, who left Sporting for Manchester United in 2003, has never hidden his affection for the Lisbon club. While no formal offer has been disclosed, the mere suggestion of a homecoming has ignited excitement among Sporting supporters and European media alike.

Parallel to the Ronaldo storyline, Liverpool are plotting a blockbuster move of their own. According to Barcelona-based outlet El Nacional, the Reds are ready to trigger the full €95 million (£82.7 million, $112.9 million) release clause of Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. The Spain international, whose season has been disrupted by injury, is viewed inside Anfield as the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring Williams and are willing to commit significant funds, setting up a potential summer bidding war.

Williams is not the only La Liga talent on Liverpool’s radar. Fichajes reports that the Merseysiders would be prepared to spend €80 million (£69.7 million, $95.1 million) to prise Jules Kounde away from Barcelona, viewing the French right-back as a transformative defensive addition. Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell is a lower-cost alternative, with Liverpool ready to table more than €30 million after seeing a €25 million bid rejected in January.

Elsewhere, Barcelona have swatted away Arsenal’s serious interest in Raphinha by pointing to the Brazilian’s €1 billion release clause. Mikel Arteta, who previously attempted to sign the former Leeds United winger, was willing to offer an “astronomical” salary, but the Catalan club remain adamant the player is not for sale.

Manchester United’s recruitment staff have turned their attention to Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, with Tuttosport indicating that scouts have been dispatched to assess the versatile Frenchman. United are also described as “frontrunners” to secure Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye in a deal that could bolster Erik ten Hag’s attacking options.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are juggling multiple pursuits. The Blues are lining up a £50 million ($68.2 million) offer for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to provide genuine competition for Robert Sánchez, while Bayern Munich also have the Dutchman on their shortlist as a long-term heir to Manuel Neuer. In midfield, Chelsea have taken pole position to sign Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, prepared to meet the €75 million (£65.3 million, $89.1 million) valuation, ahead of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal are weighing a £40 million ($54.6 million) move for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, adding another layer to the London clubs’ rivalry.

On the continent, Atlético Madrid have slapped a €100 million price tag on Julián Alvarez despite the striker’s €500 million buyout clause, with Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal all circling. Robert Lewandowski has no shortage of suitors: Chicago Fire, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid, Fenerbahçe and Saudi Pro League sides have all expressed interest in the veteran striker.

Saudi club Al Ittihad are assembling a “huge” financial package for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga to fill the void left by N’Golo Kanté. Should Jürgen Klopp move to the Bernabéu, he has reportedly identified Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister as the ideal Camavinga replacement.

With the summer window approaching, Europe’s heavyweights are already maneuvering for position, setting the stage for a frenetic few months of negotiations, clauses and record-breaking fees.