Cristiano Ronaldo is set to put pen to paper on a new contract that would see him end his career at Real Madrid. The Portuguese forward is expected to officially pledge his future to the club by the end of August, with informal negotiations already thought to have taken place.
The number 7 is still on holiday after last season’s Champions League winning campaign and his Euro 2016 success with Portugal. However, he has reportedly made contact with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over the phone and the framework of a new deal has been laid out.
Ronaldo is expected to resume light training next week at which point he and his agent Jorge mendes will put the finishing touches to the contract. The only major detail left to be discussed is whether he will remain at the club until the end of 2020 or 2021.
As this is likely to be the last big contract for the 31-year-old, the new deal is expected to contain provisions for the future as well as keeping his salary at almost €21m net per season. There may also be some renewal clauses if he reaches certain milestones that could prolong his stay beyond the initial expiry date.
There is an opportunity towards the end of August to do an official presentation, if the deal can be finalised in time. Ronaldo is not expected to be called up by Portugal to face Gibraltar, leaving a suitable gap in his schedule for a ceremony at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are also keen to nail down a deal for Gareth Bale whose current contract runs out in 2019. The Welshman is expected to receive a pay rise which will take his salary to over €10m and prolong his stay in Madrid. If both deals can be done this summer, then it will be good news for Madridistas who will certainly start the new La Liga campaign in high spirits.
