Manchester United ‘approached’ Barcelona about £58m January transfer, but “immense” star rejected them

Manchester United reportedly approached Barcelona about the possibility of a £58 million transfer in the winter market, but the player rebuffed their efforts.

Manchester United are planning midfield reinforcements this summer as Rúben Amorim looks to address ongoing issues in the centre of the pitch.

Creativity has been a major concern for United throughout the season, with the team often struggling to break down defences and failing to score more than once per game. Their inconsistent form at Old Trafford has only added to the urgency for midfield upgrades.

Last month, the club sanctioned several loan departures, with Antony joining Real Betis, Marcus Rashford moving to Aston Villa, and Ethan Wheatley heading to Walsall for the remainder of the campaign.

Further changes are expected in midfield at the end of the season. Christian Eriksen is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract, while Casemiro is no longer considered a key part of Amorim’s plans.

As a result, United are preparing to be active in the transfer market, identifying midfielders who can bring greater control, creativity, and energy to suit Amorim’s tactical vision.

United approached Barcelona over £58m transfer

According to a report from the Spanish outlet SPORT, one player United were eyeing in the January transfer window was Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.

The article claims that United, along with Premier League rivals Aston Villa, made an approach to sign the 21-year-old player described as having “immense promise” for the future.

It is stated that both sides indicated the willingness to pay a transfer fee of around £58 million to get a transfer over the line, but that the player rebuffed both club.

Lopez is said to have made it clear to both Manchester United and Aston Villa that his current career focus is set as establishing himself at Barcelona, and with the player having a £416.5 million release clause, they are under little pressure to sell him.

Eriksen may retire from football entirely

With United needing to replace Eriksen once he departs following the expiry of his contract, the Danish international captain has been tipped to potentially pack his career in altogether and return at the end of the campaign.

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“It is 100 per cent over for Christian Eriksen at Manchester United this summer, and I also fear that his career is over,” ex-Denmark international Thomas Gravesen said earlier this week.

“Where is he going to go? Where will he go and earn DKK 60 million (£6.7 million) a year? I have a very hard time seeing that. But now, it could be that he could settle for much less.

“Yes, he has probably earned the money he needs to, but I think that the development that Christian has undergone in the past few years is downward.

“It is sad to see the situation Christian Eriksen is in. He’s one of the players in Denmark who has given us the most. He has shone and been our best man, so it is sad if his career ends like this.”

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