City owner hints at £135m Ronaldo raid
Dr
Sulaiman Al-Fahim plans to make Manchester City "bigger than Manchester
United" - and may bid £135million for Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
City's
new owner has intimated that Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and
Investment (ADUG) could back a mind-boggling £135million for United
superstar Ronaldo in January's transfer window.
The agreement of an ADUG takeover deal at Eastlands was
announced on Monday and was followed by the shock capture of Real
Madrid forward Robinho for a British record fee of £32.5million.
Chief executive of Hydra Properties Al-Fahim is reportedly 10
times richer than his counterpart at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, and he
has revealed there are plans to bring in a 'minimum 18' players to the
club.
"Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the
world, so we will see in January if he is serious," Al-Fahim said in
The Guardian.
"Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160million (£90m)
but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more;
I would think $240million (£135m). But why not? We are going to be the
biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester
United."
It is also reported City will look to target the likes of
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas
as the club aim to build a side capable of achieving success in
Europe's most prestigious competition.
Al-Fahim added: "We want a team who can win the UEFA Champions
League. We're not just going to spend money on anyone, but if we can
get the biggest players in the world, and of course if the manager
wants them, then we will get them."
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