Man Utd must focus on signing £42m Spanish star instead of Dorgu before deadline - opinion
Manchester United have had concerns in the left wing-back department under manager Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils are looking for another solution in the transfer market, but time is running out.
Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu has emerged as the top target, but there is no agreement at the moment.
United have proposed to pay £25.3 million for the Dane, but the Serie A outfit are reluctant to let him go for anything less than £33.6m.
In our opinion, the Red Devils should show more ambition to land his signature if Amorim has recommended the purchase.
Otherwise, they should focus on an alternative. The club can re-sign Alvaro Fernandez from Benfica for a cheaper price before the deadline.
The youngster signed for Benfica on a permanent deal from United for £5 million last summer following a short-term loan.
He had a slow start to his career but has been an undisputed starter since Bruno Lage replaced Roger Schmidt as the new head coach.
Fernandez has made seven goal contributions this term but has also excelled defensively with 2.1 tackles, 5.6 recoveries and 1.9 clearances per outing.
The Spaniard has also won close to five duels per appearance. He averages 26 passes in the opposition half and would suit Amorim’s playing style.
He has played as a left-back at the Primeira Liga outfit, but was previously a left wing-back during his promising loan spell with Preston North End.
Fernandez has a release clause worth £42m in his contract, but the Red Devils can sign him on the cheap for £17m due to a buy-back clause present.
It appears a no-brainer decision to re-sign him if Lecce don’t provide a discount on Dorgu.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .