Man United face competition to sign €40m defender – 10 other clubs interested | OneFootball

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Sporting Braga center-back David Carmo in recent times.

Carmo is compared to Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk for his sturdy physique and commanding presence on the ball. Despite only getting his debut in January this year, he has already garnered the attention of top European clubs.

The Athletic understands that a host of 10 clubs are interested to secure Carmo’s services and have spoken to his agents. One of United’s ‘big six’ rivals are said to be interested too.

Serie A side Roma came closest to sign Carmo in the summer but had their €17 million bid rejected. Carmo’s release clause stood at €20m at the time, but the figure doubled (€40m) when he signed his a new contract earlier this month.

All claims sourced to The Athletic.

Our take

United needed a centre-back in the summer but failed to sign one. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are the first-team pair but the Red Devils lack depth. Both Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly are injury-prone, while Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are not in Solskjaer’s plans and could leave the club very soon.

United need depth. However, Carmo’s €40m release clause is pricey. He’s a decent centre-back but for someone who hasn’t played even a full season, €40m is a lot. Moreover, given the stiff competition United will face in the transfer market, the cost of signing him could increase.

There are better alternatives, and United need proven quality, not future potential, if they are to mount a serious title challenge next season.

If United decide to pay a little extra, Dayot Upamecano’s €45m release clause could be activated next summer.