Here we go again.

For the second consecutive summer, Cristiano Ronaldo is attempting to engineer a transfer. Having bolted from Italy to rejoin Manchester United just one year ago, the Portuguese star is now reportedly looking to leave Old Trafford after a disappointing campaign in which the Red Devils failed to secure Champions League football.

The timing of his request isn't particularly helpful – United could have done with a couple extra months to sanction a sale and seek a replacement – but his departure could end up being a blessing for all parties involved. Ronaldo's fit within the squad has been a point of extreme contention since his return, and a rebuilding team under new manager Erik ten Hag would probably benefit from a more holistic approach instead of relying on an aging Ronaldo to be the focal point of an attack that needs rejuvenation.

Publicly, both the club and manager remain adamant United won't sell the 37-year-old. Privately, though, the message is likely very different.

Some of the rumored destinations for Ronaldo have serious flaws for various reasons: He will almost certainly not join Napoli or Roma, return to Sporting CP, or move to Major League Soccer. Meanwhile, Manchester City – who were linked to Ronaldo last year – now have Erling Haaland. With that in mind, here are four other landing spots that could make sense if the decorated forward gets his desired transfer before the Sept. 1 deadline.

Chelsea

If he really is going to leave Manchester United – don't count out a change of heart just yet – this seems like the most likely option at the moment, regardless of Chelsea's impending deal for Raheem Sterling.

Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's renowned agent, is making the rounds to convince one of Europe's top clubs to sign his client. Mendes reportedly met with new Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly last month to discuss the prospect of Ronaldo swapping Manchester for London. Boehly, temporarily in charge of the Blues' transfer dealings amid organizational changes at Stamford Bridge, would surely be tempted to make an enormous statement signing early in his tenure. And from a PR perspective – although perhaps not from an on-pitch performance one – they don't get much bigger than this.