Should MLS pursue Cristiano Ronaldo?

Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock/FTI Sports

by Chris Asbrock

Reports out of Madrid are stating that arguably the greatest player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, is ready to exit Real Madrid. Ronaldo is accused of tax fraud, totaling $14.6 million and his reportedly very unhappy with these accusations. The accusations have caused Ronaldo much unhappiness, causing him to want to leave the European champions.

The big question surrounding this saga is should Ronaldo leave the Spanish capital, where would he go? Ronaldo has always professed his love for Manchester United. While he has already been linked with massive clubs around the world, however, there are only three or four clubs in Europe that could even afford him. With that being the case, the question comes up, should MLS attempt to go after Ronaldo?

There has been minor flirtation with MLS in the past but let’s be honest, if MLS were to make a run at Ronaldo, there are only two markets he is heading to. While you won’t be seeing Ronaldo wearing a Columbus Crew jersey, could you see Ronaldo calling Los Angeles home?

The obvious choices for Ronaldo would be New York and Los Angeles. One thing is certain, Ronaldo would not be coming to MLS for a paycheck. Ronaldo is coming to the United States for a lifestyle. Making a run at Ronaldo would be a massive game changer for the league, bringing the best player in the world, while still in his prime.

A perfect spot for Ronaldo would be the new LAFC club that is set to start play next season. Even with the massive amount of money the club does have, in this situation, the league will help pay for the player from a general fund that MLS has for situations that arise like this. Even though it is unlikely Ronaldo does come to the states, the league would be remarkably better with him.

It will be very interesting to see how this saga plays out. It has been known that Ronaldo gets his feelings hurt easily, so this very well could be a situation where he is just pouting and throwing his toys around. Can Real Madrid calm him down enough to stay in the Spanish capital? Regardless of the situation, it is a must that the league at least take a look at bringing in the world’s best player.