Manchester United and Real Madrid did not include sell-on clause in then world-record Cristiano Ronaldo deal

No sell-on clause was written into Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester United.

The forward reportedly wants a move away from the Spanish giants, and is said to welcome a return to Old Trafford. A discount that such a sell-on would cause should United be interested would have made a return more likely. 

However, when the £80m deal was done in 2009 no such agreement was reached with United instead choosing to insist that the fee — a then world record — was paid upfront in one instalment.

A packed Bernabeu welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid following his transfer in 2009

A packed Bernabeu welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid following his transfer in 2009

Manchester United agreed a straight-cash deal with Real Madrid worth a then-record £80m

Manchester United agreed a straight-cash deal with Real Madrid worth a then-record £80m

Ronaldo is still angling for an exit from Real Madrid amid accusations from the Spanish authorities that he moved £13million in earnings to the British Virgin Islands and the Republic of Ireland in order to avoid paying tax.


Real Madrid have so far insisted that Ronaldo will not be leaving this summer with Sportsmail understanding any deal for the 32-year-old will cost a staggering £350m to complete.

Los Blancos will demand £175m in transfer fees while a further £175m will be required to pay the four-time Ballon d'Or winner's wages over the next four seasons. 

A fresh-faced Ronaldo is pictured during his spell with United earlier in his career

A fresh-faced Ronaldo is pictured during his spell with United earlier in his career

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has explored the possibility of signing Ronaldo in the past with a view that his marketing prowess will help to grow their brand even further.

However, even for United, who are the proud owners of the world transfer record paid for Paul Pogba, the figures appear to be prohibitively high.

There are also questions over his willingness to work with Jose Mourinho again with the pair famously falling out towards the end of the manager's reign in the Spanish capital. 

The pair had a fractious relationship during their time together at the Bernabeu

Ronaldo had a fractious relationship with Jose Mourinho during their time at the Bernabeu