Massimiliano Allegri downplayed the exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo from the starting XI versus Udinese, chalking it up to lack of conditioning. The Portuguese ace came off the bench and scored a late header, but it was waved off after a VAR review. Some pre-game rumors suggested he asked not to play for transfer market-related reasons. While his departure does not seem imminent, Juventus do not want to be caught off guard.
The gaffer explained: “Ronaldo is fine. I talked to him and, considering we are at the start of the season, and I thought it would be better for him to begin as a substitute. I told him that we would need him in the second half. He agreed and played well when he came on. He even found the target if he were not offside for a centimeter. The schedule is very busy, and I will have to manage everybody.”
Ronaldo rarely traveled with the team in the past when dealing with minor physical issues. Juventus have stated multiple times that he will stay. However, his agent Jorge Mendes has been working to find a new club for him for months, Calciomercato.com reports. A last-minute solution is possible, and the Bianconeri would not oppose the transfer.
If that were the case, Juventus would target Gabriel Jesus and Anthony Martial, Tuttosport informs. They have been coveting the Manchester City striker for a long time, while the Frenchman could leave United after the arrival of Jadon Sancho. Instead, Mauro Icardi would be a more likely candidate if they arranged a swap deal with PSG involving Ronaldo.