After previously being linked to Manchester United as a long-term Bruno Fernandes replacement, Leeds could hijack the signing of a top-rated attacking midfielder.
After a terrible 2024/25 campaign, Manchester United will be looking to rebuild their squad quickly ahead of a vital season for Ruben Amorim’s side.
With Matheus Cunha already through the door for £62.5 million, and United sending an improved offer for Bryan Mbeumo, the rebuilding of United’s attack is well underway.
United’s attack was poor last season, with captain Bruno Fernandes bailing them out on numerous occasions, scoring 19 and assisting 19 in all competitions.
It came as a shock to many when Fernandes was linked with a move away, emerging as one of Al-Hilal’s main targets, who offered the 30-year-old a staggering £700,000 per week. However, United’s captain ultimately rejected the approach, as he looks to bring the Club back to where they should be.
United need a Fernandes understudy
Arriving in January 2020 from Sporting, Fernandes has proved to be a transformative figure at the club, becoming United’s focal point. Often being the difference maker, he has proven to be vital in crucial matches.
Fernandes, however, will turn 31 shortly after the start of next season’s Premier League campaign and is at the peak of his power right now, and will need to find a suitable replacement for the inevitable day when he starts to decline.
Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder Oscar Gloukh emerged as a potential target, with the club seeing him as a long-term replacement for the Portuguese attacking midfielder.
According to a report from Le Nouvel Echo, Leeds United have expressed their interest in signing the 21-year-old as they look to avoid relegation next season.
The Israeli scored ten and assisted five last season, and can operate both centrally and on the flank, and could prove to be a worthy understudy for Fernandes.
Valued at just £21 million, the signing would be great considering the talent the Israeli attacking midfielder brings with him.
Is Bruno Fernandes replaceable?
When Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, their financial foundations were much stronger than United’s, meaning there was less risk involved than with United. They used that money to sign Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and the rest is history.
When United sold Cristiano Ronaldo, they signed Antonio Valencia for £16 million, Michael Owen on a free transfer, Gabriel Obertan for £3 million, and Mame Biram Diouf. However, only Valencia turned out to be worth the transfer.
With United already lacking both leadership and experience in the side, to lose a player who brings those two vital qualities in abundance would be extremely difficult to replace.
Although it’s not impossible, United will likely miss out on Champions League football next season, and would be limited in options when it comes to replacements that would be able to make an instant impact.
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