Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is trying to transform the French capital into the epicenter of world soccer, and the mega-rich club isn’t taking the “slow and steady” approach to doing so.
PSG wants to add Cristiano Ronaldo to its galaxy of stars and lure Jose Mourinho from Real Madrid to manage them all, Agence France Presse (AFP) reports.
“[PSG is] ready to shell out 100 million euros ($129.6 million) for Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo and bring manager Jose Mourinho at the same time,” AFP said citing a report in Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The sports daily claimed the two clubs have already opened negotiations on the joint move, with Ronaldo and Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes in talks with the player, Real president Florentino Perez and PSG’s Qatari owner Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.”
PSG may be looking to capitalize on the reported discord with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo reportedly considered leaving the Spanish club in late August, saying he was “sad” about a “professional” situation. He did not go into detail, but the rumor mill spun out of control in early September. Many thought it was related to his current contract, which reportedly pays him 14 million euros ($18.1 million) a year.
After a few days of speculation, the 27-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the club, saying the problem he was having was not a financial one. Mendes added that he knew why Ronaldo was sad, but didn’t disclose the reason either.
In 2009, Ronaldo became the most expensive player in history when he left Manchester United for Madrid in a £80 million ($131.6 million) transfer. A move to PSG would see him retain that title by some distance.
Mourinho endured a difficult start to his third season on the Real Madrid bench. A “mole” in the dressing room leaked stories of clashes between Mourinho and stars Sergio Ramos and Mezut Ozil, as the defending La Liga champions struggled out of the gate.
Mourinho steadied the ship in recent weeks, but fourth-placed Real Madrid is eight points behind leaders FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The 50-year-old signed a new contract in May, which ties runs through the 2015-16 season. PSG would have to pay a hefty price to release him from the deal.
PSG’s Qatari owners have already splashed plenty of cash to turn the club into a potential European powerhouse. Whether they can afford to make dreams come true remains to be seen.
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