Manchester United could sign 19yo Jose Mourinho loves for £50m after Fabrizio Romano update

Manchester United are already planning for the summer transfer window to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Since taking charge at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has faced challenges, with only one major signing in January—Patrick Dorgu, who arrived from Lecce for around £25 million.

It’s evident that reinforcements will be necessary in the summer, with several key positions requiring strengthening. Additionally, players expected to leave will need to be replaced.

One potential aspect to pay attention to is whether United look to strengthen in the centre of defence in the summer window.

It was previously claimed that the club were not planning to sign another player in that position after bringing in Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven in the last two transfer windows.

However, the change of formation and Lisandro Martínez suffering a new long-term injury are potential factors that could change that stance.

Martínez is expected to be out of action for anywhere between six and 12 months after suffering an ACL injury and United now use three central defenders in Amorim’s system.

Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf are also expected to leave the club in the summer, which opens up a conversation about potentially strengthening the backline when the season ends.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Huijsen release clause

One player that club has been linked to is Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who has quickly become one of the most exciting young defenders in the Premier League since he signed from Juventus last summer.

Huijsen spent the second half of last season at AS Roma after being personally contacted by Jose Mourinho. The former United boss convinced the 19-year-old, who he rates highly, of the move but was sacked shortly afterwards.

After getting experience in the Serie A with Roma, Huijsen was allowed to leave Juventus for Bournemouth in a deal worth only £13 million.

His performances since then in a high-flying Bournemouth side have understandably led to links to some of the top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, and United have also been credited with interest.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that any club looking to sign the young defender can activate a release clause worth £50 million next summer, which is certainly something United could be eyeing.

“Dean Huijsen’s contract at Bournemouth includes £50m release clause,” Romano wrote his X account this week.

“The clause is 100% confirmed as revealed in January. It will be valid from the summer of 2025. The 19-year-old defender attracting top clubs interest after excellent performances at Bournemouth this season.”

United in difficult position to convince Huijsen of transfer

Huijsen suits the profile of player which United have started targeting since INEOS took charge of the club. He has great quality, but most importantly even better potential.

Yet, the teenager is extremely highly rated across Europe and there will undoubtably be clubs in better situations that can try and lure him.

At this moment in time, convincing players of a move to United will be more difficult than ever before, especially when they have more attractive options elsewhere.

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However, the same was said when United rivalled Real Madrid for Yoro last summer and they came out on top in that deal.

The situation since has worsened, though, and United need to be even more careful with their money and they will debate whether £50 million on a defender is a worthwhile investment.

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