The Portuguese icon's contract ends in June 2022 but the club could move him on next summer rather than offer him an extension.

According to reports, Juventus are pondering the idea of selling superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo next summer. Spanish publication SPORT are the ones making this claim, stating that the Bianconeri are pondering moving on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner despite him being their talisman forward.

This claim stems down to one huge reason and that is finances, but there is another factor. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon huge financial ramifications for even the European elites, and Juventus are no exception. 

The 35-year-old earns nearly $37M per year. That is five times more than what the second-highest player at the Allianz Stadium pockets and that is Paulo Dybala. Getting Ronaldo’s high wages of the books is said to be the driving force and with his contract set to expire in June 2022, the Old Lady could look to sell him next summer rather than offer him an extension.

Financial reasons set aside, the former Real Madrid ace has been accused of being selfish recently. While Pirlo did not name Ronaldo, the Juventus boss slammed his attackers for being “egotistical” during the UCL win over Ferencvaros, saying: “I talk to my players a lot, but they make the choices when they are on the pitch. They could've been less egotistical and killed off the game earlier.”

Regardless, it would come as a surprise to see the Italian giants part ways with the Portuguese forward given how influential he has been for them. He has scored six goals in Serie A despite having played only four games, netting three times in his first two games since recovering from the coronavirus.

Last season, he scored 31 in 33 league appearances, leading the club to yet another Scudetto title, and was averaging a goal every other game in the UCL. While the 35-year-old was quarantining, Juventus struggled for form, winning only once in four games.