Manchester United could be set to miss out on a key transfer target, as a Spanish giant could win the race for the player.
Since INEOS have arrived at Manchester United, the club has overhauled their transfer strategy. From blindly bidding for players to now having a strategy where they seek approval from the player before going in for a move to avoid a bidding war.
This was evident in last season’s transfer window, with the club wanting to revamp the attack and bring in a new goalkeeper. They did exactly that with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens.
Jason Wilcox and the transfer team have also put an emphasis on signing young players to impact Rúben Amorim’s squad in years to come, rather than immediately, although Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi played in their first seasons at Old Trafford.
While it may seem far away, planning would have already begun for next summer’s targets and potential talks with those whose contracts are set to expire.
Upamencano is set for Real Madrid move
Dayot Upamencano has been a player United have been linked with for years, ever since his time at RB Leipzig and now at Bayern Munich.
Recent reports have suggested that United were eyeing up an approach for the Frenchman, with his contract expiring next summer. This would have been a very shrewd move.
A central defender could be a good signing at Old Trafford, especially if Harry Maguire leaves at the end of the season when his current contract expires. Matthijs de Ligt could reunite with his former Munich teammate in the back three.
However, a big blow has been struck to United’s chances of getting their man. According to French outlet, Foot Mercato, the defender has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid next season on a free transfer.
Should centre-back be the priority position?
There is no doubt that Upamencano is a top-quality player. However, when players move on a free, there tends to be big wages and signing-on fees that get added on, and with the calibre of Upamencano, you would expect the same.
With the likes of Leny Yoro, de Ligt, Luke Shaw and Maguire, the club have begun to see a settled and consistent defensive unit this season.
With Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui also excellent options that can come in, perhaps the fees that would be saved by not getting Upamencano can be better used for other positions of need.
It is no secret that United have faults in both the wing-back areas and desperately need depth in the midfield. These should be the key areas that Amorim needs to focus on before adding that extra quality to the centre-back positions.
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