Could a contract clause see Ronaldo move on loan to Newcastle?

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has a clause in his contract that could see him join Newcastle United on loan should the Magpies reach the Champions League.

The Portuguese’s love of the top European club competition is well known. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man is the Champions League’s current all-time top scorer with 140 goals – 11 more than Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo seemed desperate to join a Champions League team before finally agreeing to his big-money move to Al Nassr.

Such is Ronaldo’s desire that reports suggest a unique clause in his contract that could see him returning to ‘his’ competition next season.

Should Newcastle United finish in the top four this season and thus qualify for the Champions League then reports suggest Ronaldo would have the option of joining the Magpies on loan for the 2023/24 campaign. 

�Getty / Clive Brunskill

Indeed, should Ronaldo end up at St James’ Park for next season the player would be 38 heading onto 39. Would he find that he would face a similar issue in England at a different United?

Of course, there’s still plenty to go in the Premier League season with the fight for the top four likely to go all the way to the wire so the issue may ultimately be a moot point. But it could be a fascinating piece of drama next season should this unique contract clause be triggered.