The Super-Agent behind Ronaldo’s United return and why he is one of the smartest men in football
In the modern world, where football club owners are frequently brandished as brainless, one man has used that seeming idiocy to full advantage. Love him or loathe him, Jorge Mendes has made millions securing contracts and transfers for his clients, who rank among the best players in the world. In this last week, Mendes brokered one of the biggest transfers of his career - if not in terms of finances, then definitely in sentimental value – with the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo’s homecoming to Manchester United from Juventus.
Mendes, 55, who also boasts other big-name clients such as José Mourinho, David de Gea and João Felix is widely considered the brains behind this deal and it is clear to see why. The Ronaldo deal has been years in the making and despite a whirlwind week which nearly ended with Ronaldo in the sky blue of rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils were always player and agent’s first choice.
Since leaving Manchester in 2009 for Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee (£80 million), Mendes has frequently played up the potential return of Ronaldo to United. Time and time again, this has resulted in a new, often improved, contract for the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo’s marketability, alongside his cemented status as one of the greatest footballers in history, seems to be how Mendes is able to convince owners of the incredible financial burden that comes with Ronaldo is worth it.
The cost of signing Ronaldo, or simply renewing his contract, is always made slightly more expensive when considering the price Mendes deems worthy of his role in negotiations. For example, Juventus’ splurge on Ronaldo in the summer of 2018 not only featured a £100 million transfer fee and wages exceeding £25 million annually, but also saw Mendes pocket a fee of over £10.5 million for his services.
Mendes, 55, who also boasts other big-name clients such as José Mourinho, David de Gea and João Felix is widely considered the brains behind this deal and it is clear to see why. The Ronaldo deal has been years in the making and despite a whirlwind week which nearly ended with Ronaldo in the sky blue of rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils were always player and agent’s first choice.
Since leaving Manchester in 2009 for Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee (£80 million), Mendes has frequently played up the potential return of Ronaldo to United. Time and time again, this has resulted in a new, often improved, contract for the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo’s marketability, alongside his cemented status as one of the greatest footballers in history, seems to be how Mendes is able to convince owners of the incredible financial burden that comes with Ronaldo is worth it.
The cost of signing Ronaldo, or simply renewing his contract, is always made slightly more expensive when considering the price Mendes deems worthy of his role in negotiations. For example, Juventus’ splurge on Ronaldo in the summer of 2018 not only featured a £100 million transfer fee and wages exceeding £25 million annually, but also saw Mendes pocket a fee of over £10.5 million for his services.
So, with Ronaldo’s contract entering its final year this summer, the time had once again come for Mendes to work his magic. It has been a disappointing three years in Turin for Ronaldo, who joined Juventus following seven successive Serie A titles. The goal: an elusive Champions League for Juve, who last won the competition in 1996, but reached two finals in the four years preceding Ronaldo’s arrival. The result: regression. Season upon season, Juventus have performed worse; they scraped their way to Serie A victories in 2018/19 and 2019/20 but finished a disappointing 4th last season.
For Ronaldo, the prospect of winning a sixth Ballon d’Or whilst in Italy had all but vanished and, following on from his impressive performances at Euro 2020, he decided it was time to call time on his Italian adventure and find a new club.
The first choice, Manchester United. The club at which Ronaldo launched his name into the conversation as one of the best players of his generation and won the first of five Champions Leagues. It would appear fitting for the now 36-year-old to return to United in the twilight of his career.
Tasked with making the relevant enquiries, Mendes found a few stumbling blocks. First of all, United had, and still have, a plethora of forward options. Edinson Cavani is the experienced head (and bundles of quality) to a young group of attackers piloted by Mason Greenwood, who has already scored three Premier League goals in as many games this term. Marcus Rashford is another option capable of playing on the wing or through the middle and a significant outlay had already been spent on bringing winger Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford, another forward player whose £73 million price tag would seemingly dictate significant playing time. Other attacking players such as Juan Mata, Amad Diallo and Jesse Lingard will also be fighting for a starting berth this campaign.
For Ronaldo, the prospect of winning a sixth Ballon d’Or whilst in Italy had all but vanished and, following on from his impressive performances at Euro 2020, he decided it was time to call time on his Italian adventure and find a new club.
The first choice, Manchester United. The club at which Ronaldo launched his name into the conversation as one of the best players of his generation and won the first of five Champions Leagues. It would appear fitting for the now 36-year-old to return to United in the twilight of his career.
Tasked with making the relevant enquiries, Mendes found a few stumbling blocks. First of all, United had, and still have, a plethora of forward options. Edinson Cavani is the experienced head (and bundles of quality) to a young group of attackers piloted by Mason Greenwood, who has already scored three Premier League goals in as many games this term. Marcus Rashford is another option capable of playing on the wing or through the middle and a significant outlay had already been spent on bringing winger Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford, another forward player whose £73 million price tag would seemingly dictate significant playing time. Other attacking players such as Juan Mata, Amad Diallo and Jesse Lingard will also be fighting for a starting berth this campaign.
Would adding Ronaldo really improve this squad, especially on the outrageous wages he (or Mendes, depending on how you look at it) would demand? Furthermore, this issue is only exacerbated by the contrast in style in United’s system and how Ronaldo has developed his game with age. The winger that left United in 2009 is now an out and out striker, relying on a poacher’s instinct, quick reactions and incredible finishing. He is not the most effective presser of the ball and has lost the pace that allowed him to breeze past defenders with ease. The Ronaldo of old, or young, – skilful, quick and with a deadly eye for goal – would be the perfect fit for this United team. At their best, United play direct football, getting the ball in behind the opposition’s defence at speed, utilising the pace and trickery of their forward line, and the creativity of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. Cavani currently fills the role Ronaldo would most likely perform, finding space in the box and providing the finish when United try to unlock a deep back line.
Additionally, even though Cristiano Ronaldo was potent in front of goal both last season – with 29 goals and a Capocannoniere (Serie A’s Golden Boot) – and in Euro 2020 (where his 5 goals secured the Golden Boot award once more), it was clear to see his style stifled the creativity of now-teammate and Manchester United’s key player over the last 18 months: Bruno Fernandes. It would not be a stretch to suggest that the same impact may be seen at club level this season.
It is not all bad as, understandably, a winner of 32 major trophies brings an incredible winning mentality. Ronaldo’s work rate is well documented, and the hope will be that this attitude rubs off on his new teammates, taking their game to a new level and truly challenging for both the Premier League and Champions League. Despite his age, Ronaldo is a prolific goalscorer and still one of the best players in the world. His signing, drawbacks included, would be a real statement of intent.
Additionally, even though Cristiano Ronaldo was potent in front of goal both last season – with 29 goals and a Capocannoniere (Serie A’s Golden Boot) – and in Euro 2020 (where his 5 goals secured the Golden Boot award once more), it was clear to see his style stifled the creativity of now-teammate and Manchester United’s key player over the last 18 months: Bruno Fernandes. It would not be a stretch to suggest that the same impact may be seen at club level this season.
It is not all bad as, understandably, a winner of 32 major trophies brings an incredible winning mentality. Ronaldo’s work rate is well documented, and the hope will be that this attitude rubs off on his new teammates, taking their game to a new level and truly challenging for both the Premier League and Champions League. Despite his age, Ronaldo is a prolific goalscorer and still one of the best players in the world. His signing, drawbacks included, would be a real statement of intent.
Still, the red half of Manchester were dubious about bringing Ronaldo back. However, and this is presumptuous, it feels as though Ronaldo had his heart set on a United homecoming. The task for Mendes then became about goading United into viewing signing Ronaldo as a necessity. And the best way to do this? Play on United’s ego, obviously.
The Glazers’, Manchester United’s owners, have boasted for years about their commercial success in establishing United as the biggest football club in the entire world, even if success on the pitch has dwindled in recent years. By offering Ronaldo to Manchester City, Mendes ensured that the Glazers would feel their brand had been threatened enough to sign Ronaldo.
Ronaldo at Man City again makes little sense from a football perspective – despite City’s worst-held secret that they desire an elite striker. And yet, City jumped at the chance to sign Ronaldo, falling into Mendes’ elegant trap. Signing Ronaldo would attack their biggest rivals, suggesting United were no longer be the biggest club in Manchester, let alone the world, because one of their greatest players in history had elected to disregard the club that idolised and adored him in favour of a Manchester City shirt.
Over a whirlwind few days, United acted and the deal for Ronaldo at Man City which appeared done and dusted was swiftly replaced with a deal at Manchester United. Jorge Mendes had played the two clubs off each other, probably securing a bigger payday in the process and brokered the homecoming for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
We shouldn’t really be surprised by now, it’s all in a day’s work for Mendes – one of the most intelligent men in football.
The Glazers’, Manchester United’s owners, have boasted for years about their commercial success in establishing United as the biggest football club in the entire world, even if success on the pitch has dwindled in recent years. By offering Ronaldo to Manchester City, Mendes ensured that the Glazers would feel their brand had been threatened enough to sign Ronaldo.
Ronaldo at Man City again makes little sense from a football perspective – despite City’s worst-held secret that they desire an elite striker. And yet, City jumped at the chance to sign Ronaldo, falling into Mendes’ elegant trap. Signing Ronaldo would attack their biggest rivals, suggesting United were no longer be the biggest club in Manchester, let alone the world, because one of their greatest players in history had elected to disregard the club that idolised and adored him in favour of a Manchester City shirt.
Over a whirlwind few days, United acted and the deal for Ronaldo at Man City which appeared done and dusted was swiftly replaced with a deal at Manchester United. Jorge Mendes had played the two clubs off each other, probably securing a bigger payday in the process and brokered the homecoming for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
We shouldn’t really be surprised by now, it’s all in a day’s work for Mendes – one of the most intelligent men in football.
Written by - James McEvoy
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back