Man Utd lose out as Benfica appear to have won the race to sign Santos striker | OneFootball

Santos striker Marcos Leonardo is on the verge of signing for Benfica, dealing an early blow to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old is among South America’s top up-and-coming attackers. The Brazilian scored 21 goals for Santos in all competitions last season, with clubs across Europe looking to get his signature done.

The Red Devils were keeping an eye on the striker after the Brazilian club Santos was relegated from the league. With Santos expected to sell the striker, Man United were keen to bring the young attacker to Old Trafford.

After Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed a formal approach from the Portuguese team yesterday, Benfica is currently in the lead to sign him.

Teixeira acknowledged a phone conversation with President Rui Costa and revealed the proposal in an Instagram photo in which he was exchanging shirts with Benfica sporting director Rui Pedro Braz.

The transfer fee is believed to be in the region of €18 million, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

Even after spending so much money on different talents across the world, United have failed to get their hands on the best emerging talent from South America.

Brighton & Hove Albion managed to beat Man United to the signing of Moises Caicedo in 2021. River Plate’s Enzo Fernandez was being monitored by Man United in 2022 but Benfica won the race to sign him as well.

Erik ten Hag has to look elsewhere now to add firepower to his attack and help Rasmus Hojlund by providing him support to score goals.