CR7 effect: What big players mean for biz goals of clubs like Man United

Excitement over Ronaldo's return to the Premier League is high - and with good reason. There are only a handful of sports stars on the planet who can generate this kind of global interest

The prodigal son returns. In the last few days of a frenzied football transfer window, Manchester United pulled off a dream signing, welcoming Cristiano Ronaldo back to his former club.

Excitement over his return to the Premier League is high – and with good reason. There are only a handful of sports stars on the planet who can generate this kind of global interest.

But how does a player of Ronaldo’s professional stature affect the business side of a major football club? Where are the key financial wins generated by sporting superstars?

In football transfer fee terms, Ronaldo returns to