Manchester United’s pursuit of highly rated midfielder Christos Mouzakitis has suffered a major setback, with the youngster increasingly leaning toward a move to Real Madrid.
Manchester United’s search for young midfield reinforcements took a blow this week after a report from Football Insider surfaced indicating that Christos Mouzakitis, the highly-rated 18-year-old from Olympiacos, is leaning toward a move to Real Madrid rather than Old Trafford. Sources cited by a recent report claim that while United had shown interest, Mouzakitis’s preference for Madrid and their long-term allure could scupper any deal.
Despite the club’s interest and their willingness to present a serious offer, sources suggest Mouzakitis views Madrid as the better option. This will be a big blow for Jason Wilcox, who is looking to continue the INEOS strategy of signing more young players for United.
Working under Xabi Alonso, who recently went invincible with Bayer Leverkusen, will be a huge attraction for the 18-year-old, as will Real Madrid’s recent record of producing young players. United now must face the reality of losing out on one of their transfer targets – a huge reminder of how difficult it is to attract promising talent without Champions League football.
Mouzakitis has rapidly become one of Europe’s most sought-after teenage midfielders. He broke into the first team in 2024 and has since impressed both domestically and on the European stage, most notably in a recent Champions League game against what could be his new club, Real Madrid.
Why United’s offer wasn’t enough
According to Football Insider, United tabled an offer in the region of £24.5 million for Mouzakitis. However, Olympiacos swiftly rejected it, insisting that any sale would require at least £35 million. His demand reflects how much Mouzakitis’s stock has risen, partly thanks to his on-field performances and partly due to external interest from numerous top clubs.
In addition, the Greek club appear determined to hold onto their prized youngster through the upcoming window, signalling they will only negotiate seriously if a bid meets their asking price. For United, whose midfield rebuild is already under pressure with the Kobbie Mainoo dilemma, this makes a quick deal more than difficult.
United must prioritise a midfield signing in the January window, even if that means moving on from Mouzakitis for a cheaper or less sought-after option. Poor form on the pitch won’t make it easy for United to fend off Real Madrid; they must improve soon, or this will continue into the summer too.
The Red Devils must decide whether to continue pursuing Mouzakitis or pivot toward alternative midfielders who could be easier to sign. Either way, the Mouzakitis links showcase United’s one in January, and one in summer midfield transfer plans are coming into fruition.
What this setback means for United’s midfield
Missing out on Mouzakitis could force United to reconsider their midfield plans. Perhaps Wilcox will have to convince Rúben Amorim to use Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte for the rest of the season, before a serious overhaul in the summer window.
United will now shift their focus to alternative targets. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have all been considered in the past, but they could prove too expensive for the January window.
Therefore, Amorim may be forced to rely upon the young talent already at the club. Jacob Devaney has impressed for the under-21s in defensive midfield, as has Tyler Fletcher. It could be time for the next debutant at the Theatre of Dreams.
Due to United’s ongoing rebuild, clubs like Real Madrid will always have the advantage when it comes to signing young players. A promising talent will always look to prioritise their development, and a stable club is crucial for that. United must get back to that level.
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