Manchester United are eyeing a move for a central defender who has a “smart” way of playing, and his contract is set to expire next summer.
Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been very impressive, considering many fans thought this could be a window of low spending due to the poor finish in the Premier League and the loss in the Europa League final.
Diego Leon’s transfer was already confirmed before the end of the season, and Matheus Cunha’s early move from Wolverhampton Wanderers kicked off an exciting summer for the Red Devils, as they then moved on to the Bryan Mbeumo deal.
While Mbeumo’s transfer did drag for quite some time, securing the former Brentford forward was crucial to Rúben Amorim’s plans for this season, and Benjamin Šeško has now officially joined the club as well.
United’s new No.30 joins the club from RB Leipzig after joining the German side from sister-club RB Salzburg. Christopher Vivell, now a key member of Jason Wilcox’s recruitment team, played a key role in Šeško’s transfer due to his relationship with the Slovenian from his time as part of the Red Bull group.
Vivell’s knowledge of former and current Red Bull players could be useful if the Red Devils choose to make any late signings in the transfer window, as they would be able to lean on his information, rather than completing a full scout report.
United eye move for Upamecano
While United’s defence is one of the strongest positions in Amorim’s squad, improvements can always be made, especially as none of the current central defenders were signed during the Portuguese manager’s time at Old Trafford.
With just weeks left in the transfer window, United could make a late move for a central defender, potentially Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich. As per Christian Falk, he is on United’s “list of priorities, as his contract is set to expire next summer.”
Bayern have been attempting to agree a new contract with the French international, but United’s interest is just one of the barriers to reaching a new agreement. Moussa Sissoko, Upamecano’s agent, has also offered the defender to Premier League clubs, including United.
A central defender signing shouldn’t be a priority for United, with a goalkeeper and a midfielder still being looked at, but if a deal for an experienced and “smart” centre-back becomes an option, why wouldn’t they explore it?
Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui are likely to occupy the right side of defence, where Upamecano could play for United. However, Mazraoui has been injured since the opening pre-season game against Leeds United, and little has been said on his current fitness levels, despite Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee returning to training on Monday.
Upamecano would be an unnecessary addition
Upamecano is undoubtedly a good defender, despite his shaky performance against Manchester City in the Champions League; however, signing him this summer wouldn’t make sense for United.
The Red Devils have just weeks left in the transfer window to sell or loan the remaining players in the “Bomb Squad” – Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho – as well as add another goalkeeper or midfielder to the squad.
Emiliano Martínez appears to no longer be an option for United, but Aston Villa still need to sell players for FFP reasons, so a move could still become an option; while Gianluigi Donnarumma looks set to leave PSG for the Premier League.
Carlos Baleba appears to be a viable option for United, despite his high transfer fee, and signing him before the end of the transfer window could be crucial in Amorim’s pursuit of European football this season.
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