Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has replied to reports that Cristiano Ronaldo could join the Tyneside club if he leaves Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo, 37, was unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on 3 January, following his mid-season transfer to the club as a free agent. His deal at Manchester United was ended by mutual agreement after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan was aired just before the start of the 2022 World Cup.
The former Real Madrid star had already lost his place in Man Utd’s starting XI and was replaced by Goncalo Ramos as Portugal’s starting striker after the group stages in Qatar.
READ: How Al-Nassr will line up with Cristiano Ronaldo
The five-time Ballon d’Or stated in his interview with Morgan that he wished to continue playing in Europe, but soon put pen to paper on a deal to join Al-Nassr.
However, a return to Europe has been mooted, despite Ronaldo not yet featuring for his new club, with Newcastle linked with a move for the superstar.
According to sensational reports, Ronaldo has a clause in his contract at Al-Nassr that means he can join Newcastle if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
READ: Who are Al-Nassr? Everything you need to know about Ronaldo’s new club
The Magpies currently sit in third place in the Premier League after an impressive start to the 2022/23 campaign, and are set to challenge the traditional ‘big-six’ for a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Newcastle Utd despite just joining Al-Nassr
Newcastle were of course taken over by an investment group led by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 202, which has fuelled rumours of Ronaldo joining the club.
However, these reports have been swatted aside by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
What has Howe said?
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Premier League table-toppers Arsenal, Howe was questioned about a possible move for Ronaldo and the reported clause in his Al-Nassr contract.
The 45-year-old simply replied: “We wish Cristiano all the best in his new venture but there’s no truth in that from our perspective,” downplaying any rumours of Ronaldo moving to St James’ Park.