With the recent sex scandal, reports are surfacing that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is tired of being in the spotlight in England and constantly scrutinized by the media. You can’t argue the attention though. He’s a star player who just admitted to having a relationship with a prostitute and there are plenty of photos surfacing of him smoking and drinking. People expect greatness from Rooney and he was far from it with a poor showing in the 2010 World Cup.
The former Everton player has over 18 months left on his contract, but there haven’t been negotiations for a deal yet. The Glazers, who own the Red Devils, are having financial problems so we may see him go if the right offer comes along. At age 24, Rooney is likely to stick with Manchester United once the dark clouds pass, but below are the most realistic clubs he might go to.
First on the list is Real Madrid, which needs a top-class attacker. Jose Mourinho is a big fan of Rooney and Rooney would love to join up with Cristiano Ronaldo and rekindle the success they had at Old Trafford. Barcelona also has a need for Rooney after losing Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic over the summer. They need his presence next to David Villa on a thin squad. Barcelona would be a great opportunity to play for the best players in the world like Villa, Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta since Rooney has flopped internationally as of late. Barcelona is a dream destination for an Englishman looking to escape his problems.
Inter is another option for Rooney since they will most likely spend heavily in 2011 after no notable signings over the summer. Rooney’s youth is needed for an aging attack and he is greatly admired in Italy. Milan is the last big option since Silvio Berlusconi is collecting superstars like Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho. Transfer guru Adriano Galliani could make a move on Rooney since the word is Ronaldinho could leave for the MLS next summer. Rooney or Mario Balotelli is the preferred replacement.
Odds for Rooney to leave Manchester United before the start of next season: 5/1 at William Hill.