Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has publicly urged his former club to make a surprising move for Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup. Despite Chelsea's recent signing of Liam Delap and ongoing talks for Hugo Ekitike, Mikel believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be a vital addition to the squad, addressing their need for a prolific number nine.
Key Takeaways
- John Obi Mikel advocates for Chelsea to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr is set to expire, fueling transfer speculation.
- Chelsea is actively seeking a new striker after Nicolas Jackson's inconsistent performance.
- Ronaldo's potential participation in the Club World Cup is a significant draw.
Mikel's Bold Suggestion
John Obi Mikel, a revered figure at Stamford Bridge, has made a compelling case for Chelsea to pursue Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to talkSPORT, Mikel stated, "Ronaldo is an amazing player. He's an all-time goal scorer so it would be great to see him also participate in this tournament." He further emphasized Chelsea's need for a striker, adding, "Do we need him at Chelsea? Of course we do. We need a number nine."
This comes as Chelsea continues to search for a reliable goalscorer, following Nicolas Jackson's underwhelming end to the 2024-25 season, where he managed only one goal in his final 15 Premier League appearances. While the club has secured Liam Delap and is in advanced talks for Ekitike, Mikel's endorsement of Ronaldo highlights a desire for a proven, world-class forward.
Ronaldo's Future Up In The Air
Cristiano Ronaldo's current contract with Al-Nassr is slated to end on June 30, 2025. Despite reports of a potential new deal, rumors of a summer departure persist, especially after a cryptic social media post from the Portuguese superstar in late May. Ronaldo has been linked with several clubs participating in the new-look Club World Cup, including Al-Hilal and Botafogo.
Mikel acknowledged the strong possibility of Ronaldo joining Al-Hilal, noting, "I think it might be Al-Hilal he might go to. They're trying to make sure they get him to the tournament, which is going to be good for the tournament for the fans, for football lovers to see Ronaldo and Lionel Messi again compete in another club World Cup tournament - it's amazing."
Chelsea's Striker Search
Chelsea's pursuit of a new striker has been a priority. The club's official announcement of Liam Delap's signing from Ipswich Town signals their intent to bolster their attacking options. Furthermore, ongoing negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike underscore their commitment to finding a solution to their goal-scoring woes. Mikel's suggestion of Ronaldo, while ambitious, reflects a sentiment among some fans and former players that a high-impact signing is necessary to compete at the highest level, particularly with the upcoming Club World Cup.
.jpg)
0 Comments