This summer has so far not been particularly impressive for Manchester United, neither in the transfer market nor in the run-up. – Especially the 2 – 4 loss against AC Milan under the leadership of former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim stung deep.
Now they get a piece of news that must be experienced as a blow below the belt. Manchester United believed until the early hours of today that their talks with super agent Jorge Mendes about Rafael Leão were going smoothly. – Especially after the offer of a reduced price.
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Not waiting any longer
Manchester United are facing a serious setback in their pursuit of Rafael Leão. According to new information, the AC Milan striker is now being offered to Roma – and agent Jorge Mendes is working hard to find a new club for his client before the window closes.
Leão has been linked with United all summer. Michael Carrick wants an explosive winger who can operate both from the left and across the attacking line – and the Portuguese fits the profile perfectly.
The 27-year-old international has previously signalled that he wants to test himself outside of Serie A, with the Premier League as a preferred destination. But now Roma can get ahead of them.
Offered to Rome – and the price has fallen
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, agent Jorge Mendes has directly suggested Leão to Roma’s Friedkin owners, while Milan are looking for a solution before the September 1 deadline.
More importantly, Milan’s price demands seem to have been reduced. Football Italia reports that an asking price that was previously €50 million plus €10 million in bonuses has now fallen to €40 million plus add-ons.
That should catch Manchester United’s attention – but so far they haven’t struck.
Manchester United’s hesitation could cost them dearly
talkSPORT previously reported that Leão’s representatives had offered him to Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United. But Ben Jacobs stated that no Premier League deal was developing at the time due to the financial demands.
Now Roma have a golden opportunity to take advantage of United’s hesitation. With Champions League football on offer and a reduced price tag, the Italian capital club could snatch the Portuguese right under the nose of the Red Devils.
The question is whether United react quickly enough. With less than two weeks left in the window, and with Leão now offered to Roma, Carrick and the management at Old Trafford may have to make up their minds – quickly.
Read on F7: Shows Liverpool have made good choices in the transfer market
Leão is still available. But maybe not for long.
