For so many years, Cristiano Ronaldo chased the World Cup. However, after Portugal were knocked out by Spain at the Round of 16, his dream ended.

Speaking to the press after the game, Ronaldo admitted that this was his final World Cup, sparking some controversy as he then claimed: “The Euros was the most important. For me, 2016 has the same dimension as a World Cup, honestly.”

Despite saying 2026 was his last World Cup, he refused to confirm that he will be retiring from international football altogether. The Al-Nassr ace told the press, “I don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment.”

In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Roberto Martinez announced that he would be stepping away. Portugal have acted quickly to appoint Jorge Jesus as his replacement. The first big decision the new manager will have to make will be about the nation’s 41-year-old striker.

Jorge Jesus Discusses Ronaldo’s Portugal Future

Having been named as the new Portugal manager, Jesus revealed that he has yet to talk personally to Ronaldo but has claimed he will welcome him back into the international set-up. The 71-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract with Portugal to run through the 2030 World Cup, told the media:

“I haven’t spoken to Cris yet. He will never be a problem for the national team or for me. As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

“I need to speak with him to find out what he wants to do. He has always told me that he wants to finish his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be called up, I will do so.”

Jesus Talks About Dropping Ronaldo

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo crying via Reuters/Jerome Miron

Jesus already has an established relationship with Ronaldo, having coached him in the Saudi Pro League at Al-Nassr across the 2025/26 season. He referenced this when talking about the player’s age and how to get the best out of the 41-year-old.

Jesus suggested he would be willing to drop Ronaldo if needed, which is something former manager Martinez seemed hesitant to do. The new Portugal boss explained:

“I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day — an hour or two. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I’m convinced we’ll win.

It will be very interesting to see if Ronaldo continues to play international football or finally hang up his boots. He has 146 goals in 233 games for Portugal, including three at the 2026 World Cup.

Southampton are showing an interest in signing an Aston Villa star in the summer transfer window as they aim to build a squad capable of gaining promotion to the Premier League.

The Saints will be incredibly disappointed that they failed to gain promotion to the Premier League last season.

The South Coast club were preparing to play in the Championship Playoff Final against Hull City before they were removed from the competition for spying on Middlesbrough ahead of their semi-final clash.

It’s now back to square one for the Saints in what is a huge blow after such a gruelling 25/26 campaign.

After failing to gain promotion, some of their star players will be looking for the exit door, which means we could see a host of players join the club.

Southampton eyeing new winger

According to a report from Darren Witcoop, Southampton are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin in the summer transfer window.

The journalist claims that Aston Villa are hoping to sell him on a permanent transfer rather than sanctioning another loan after he spent last season with Preston North End.

Dobbin, who can play out wide or through the middle of attack, enjoyed a strong loan spell in the Championship last season, providing 18 goals and assists in 33 starts in the league.

It remains to be seen whether the Saints will be willing to sign him on a permanent deal or if they’re looking to bring him in on loan.

Southampton need reinforcements everywhere

It’s shaping up to be an incredibly strong Championship for the 26-27 season, with Wolves and West Ham both relegated to the second tier.

Both Wolves and West Ham have a strong core of Premier League-level players, and they’re unlikely to sell all of them in the summer transfer window.

Wolves have already tied down Andre to a new contract, while West Ham still have the likes of Jarrod Bowen on their books.

As a result, Aston will need to bring in reinforcements for the summer transfer window if they want to be in contention for the automatic promotion spots.

Tottenham are shifting their focus to strengthening their forward line after improving their defensive and midfield options in the summer transfer window.

It’s been an incredibly busy window for Spurs so far, bringing in a total of six new additions for Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

Martin Dubravka, Jan-Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali have all arrived through the door at Hotspur Way.

The North London club shouldn’t need too many more additions in defence or midfield, meaning they can now focus on their forward options for the rest of the window.

It is unclear what position in the attack they are likely to prioritise, but it seems they are in the market to sign a new winger.

Tottenham eyeing Portuguese star

According to a report from Record in Portugal, Tottenham are now eyeing a move to sign Sporting CP star Francisco Trincao in the summer transfer window.

Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia are willing to pay Sporting €50 million in order to sign the Portuguese international, but he still has other interests on the table.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Al Ahli are in advanced talks to sign Trincao, with negotiations underway with the player.

It remains to be seen whether Trincao is keen on a move to Saudi Arabia, especially with interest from the Premier League.

Spurs certainly haven’t been afraid to smash clubs out of the park when it comes to transfers this summer, but whether they can beat the money of Saudi Arabia is another question.

Tottenham eyeing Portuguese team-mate

via Reuters

Trincao isn’t the only Portuguese international that Tottenham are showing an interest in during the summer transfer window. Spurs are also reportedly keen on AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, and he is keen on a move to Tottenham this summer.

Milan are reportedly seeking up to €70 million for Leao, so a deal for Trincao could be cheaper if Sporting are accepting €50m.

Trincao, who has been described as having shades of Lionel Messi, could be a better option for Tottenham, especially at that price, but given Spurs’ spending this summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were in the market for both players.

It’s been an incredibly busy window for them so far, but their business isn’t finished just yet.