According to reports, Erling Haaland’s injury was one of the worst pieces of news Pep Guardiola received at the end of the season. Initially, it was unclear how long Haaland would be sidelined, but it soon became clear that he would miss the rest of the season and even the Club World Cup.

Media close to the club claimed that City, lacking a prolific striker, intended to temporarily sign a No. 9 to compete in the Club World Cup against top European and South American teams.

The strangest rumor was that Manchester City had spoken with Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggested Ronaldo was open to the move. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s current team, did not qualify for the Club World Cup, and the Portuguese star reportedly did not want to miss the high-profile tournament scheduled for early summer.

Some dismissed the rumor as too far-fetched, while others pointed out that Ronaldo had previously held lengthy negotiations with Manchester City before rejoining Manchester United, suggesting that wearing City’s shirt wouldn’t be a betrayal of the Red Devils.

Others claimed that Ronaldo, who has been unable to play in the Champions League for years, did not want to miss another major tournament that would attract global attention.

Louis Saha, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Manchester United, was among the first to react to the rumor. Saha said: “It doesn’t make sense. The thought of Ronaldo wearing a City shirt is painful, but I doubt he needs such a move. Why would he go to Manchester City? What is this new competition even about? It’s a meaningless tournament, in my opinion. The idea that Ronaldo would want to play in the Club World Cup is illogical because it’s not worth it.”