We are now in the last month before the transfer window in the Premier League opens. Manchester United are as usual linked with a bunch of players, the pressure on the United management and owners to strengthen the squad further is great. Now there are reports of a very interesting, but advanced swap transfer that could be relevant for Man Uted.
It is reported that star agent Jorge Mendes is “pushing” the idea of a summer swap deal involving Manchester United centre-back Leny Yoro and a defensive super talent from Barcelona. It’s no secret that United are looking at defensive and midfield talent in the summer transfer window, with a new left-back and another centre-back having high priorities, despite Harry Maguire recently signing a new contract.
READ: It works out for Jack Grealish
Attacking Football journalist Paddy Keogh claims United could be ready to move on from Yoro, who is “regularly ravaged by the Premier League strikers” and “lacks progressive ideas” with the ball.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez arguably spend more time on the injury table than on the pitch, and United’s defensive options are not as strong as they appear on paper. One position that needs a boost is left-back, as Luke Shaw’s contract expires in 2027 and is unlikely to be a reliable starter due to his own injury issues over the years.
And according to Keogh, Barcelona’s lightning-fast Alejandro Balde has emerged as the “dream” signing for the Red Devils, with Mendes “pushing for a deal”. Keogh also adds that Mendes is even airing the idea of a “bizarre swap deal involving Leny Yoro,” in which the Portuguese agent has played an “influential role in United beating Real Madrid in the battle for the Little prodigy’s signature in 2024.” The move could actually work for both parties, with Barcelona needing another centre-back and United being in the market for a Shaw replacement.
Balde has had three assists in 38 appearances for Barca this season and they are on the verge of securing another La Liga title under Hansi Flick. Meanwhile, Keogh adds that “it wouldn’t surprise me if his name was brought up in discussions about Marcus Rashford”, as the United striker is still pushing for a permanent move to Camp Nou after impressing on loan.
Read on F7: Diego Simeone in heated argument with Arsenal player
As for Yoro, the £58.9 million signing has so far struggled to live up to the hype surrounding his transfer back in 2024, although it would be a surprise if United gave up on the player just two years into his contract run.
We are eagerly following the continuation.
