Many are surprised that Ruben Amorim still has a job after Manchester United delivered their worst season in Premier League history.
Manchester United want to sign Zeno Debast. The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their central defense rotation for the second part of the season.
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Manchester United have set their sights on Zeno Debast, a 21-year-old Belgian centre-back who currently plays for Sporting CP and is an old acquaintance of Ruben Amorim.
The board believes that his arrival would be key to strengthening the defence in January, as manager Ruben Amorim wants more options in a back three that he has consistently used this season.
Zeno Debast, a rising centre-back
Zeno Debast is one of the most promising young defenders in European football. At just 21 years old, he has cemented his place in the starting line-up of Sporting CP, playing a crucial role in winning the Portuguese championship last season.
The centre-back has over 60 official appearances for the Lisbon club, and his contract runs until 2029. Portugoal described him as a player “increasingly solid, and who proves that he is worth the price that was paid for him.”
His performances have earned him a call-up to the Belgian national team, where he has already played in European Championship qualifiers and Nations League matches.
Manchester United’s plan
Manchester United’s interest in Debast is no coincidence. The current squad includes names like De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and the injured Lisandro Martínez, who will only return in 2026. Due to these limitations, Amorim has had to improvise with players like Mazraoui or Luke Shaw in defense, a solution that is considered unsustainable in the long term.
Therefore, the English club are considering making an approximate bid of 40 million euros. Although Debast’s buyout clause is for 80 million, Sporting could negotiate a lower price due to the obligation to pay 15% of any resale to Anderlecht, his former club.
Competition in the Premier League and Europe
Manchester United is not the only interested party. Arsenal have also sent scouts to Portugal to follow Debast closely, while Aston Villa include him on their list of potential signings.
Outside of England, teams such as Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are keeping an eye on his development, although Newcastle, who had previously shown interest, have reduced their interest.
The role of Ruben Amorim, who previously coached him at Sporting, could be decisive. His previous experience with Debast gives him the authority to support a signing that would represent a significant future investment.
With a contract until 2029, Sporting CP have the upper hand in the negotiations (as usual). The growing interest from Premier League clubs could trigger a game in January.
United are aiming to strengthen their defence, with Zeno Debast as a top priority. If Amorim approves, the operation could be accelerated within weeks, consolidating one of the most promising defenders on the continent at Old Trafford.
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