Cristiano Ronaldo ruins Man Utd transfer plan

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • Updated: 23 Oct 2025 16:48 BST
  • 5 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Cristiano Ronaldo could have a hand in shutting down one of Manchester United’s rumoured transfer plans next summer, with the Portuguese legend looking to lure one of his former club’s top targets to Al-Nassr.

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Ronaldo is keen to win a title with Al-Nassr after signing a two-year extension with the Saudi Arabian side during the summer and his side currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League with a 100% record in their first five games of the season.

Saudi Arabia are still investing heavily to bring global superstars to the country and attention could turn to Robert Lewandowski once his contract at Barcelona expires next summer, according to Fichajes.

Compared
Player image Cristiano Ronaldo 
Cristiano Ronaldo 

F (C)

Al-Nassr logo

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo 
Cristiano Ronaldo 

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr

VS

Player image Robert Lewandowski 
Robert Lewandowski 

F (C)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski 
Robert Lewandowski 

F (C)

Barcelona

Barcelona

2025/2026

Season Statistics

2025/2026

7 Appearances 9
6 Goals 4
2 Assists 0

The interest comes in light of reports that United may target Lewandowski on a free transfer to become an experienced mentor for Benjamin Sesko, while also providing Ruben Amorim with a proven alternative to his young number nine.

Lewandowski has started the season strongly with Barcelona, netting four goals in La Liga so far, but the Catalans are believed to be leaning to letting the 37-year-old leave next summer despite having an option to extend his deal for a further year.

Much will depend on his form throughout the campaign, while United are also said to be facing competition from Milan and Atletico Madrid to sign Lewandowski, giving the veteran forward plenty of options as he looks towards the twilight of his career.

Man Utd hoping to convince Lewandowski of Premier League dream

With Lewandowski among Barcelona’s top earners, it is unlikely the club would activate their option to extend the Polish star’s deal on the same wages, with fresh terms expected to be offered if they do choose to keep hold of the striker.

Robert Lewandowski could leave Barcelona next summer.
© IMAGO - Robert Lewandowski could leave Barcelona next summer.

However, the La Liga giants are believed to be ready to make a fresh start and have been linked to the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Serhou Guirassy and Fisnik Asllani as potential successors.

United, meanwhile, will be hoping to have the edge over Al-Nassr’s riches by utilising Lewandowski’s previous interest in a move after he admitted he had once said ‘yes’ to moving to Old Trafford before his then-club Dortmund pulled the plug on the transfer.

"To Manchester United I decided and said yes. I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Alex Ferguson,” Lewandowski told BBC Sport in August.

"Maybe it could be a regret [not to play in the Premier League]. But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career.”

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