Amid reports he's for sale, should Manchester United target Adama Traore?
Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho appears to have stalled and at this stage, the club should be considering alternative targets.
One viable option may turn out to be Wolves winger Adama Traore.
While most Wolves fans would want to hold onto one of their top players, a report from The Mirror claims this may not be possible.
The report claims Wolves need to raise money for transfers and see selling Traore as an option. They even believe they have a ready-made alternative with Daniel Podence.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Attacking right winger United need
What Traore may lack in trickery and guile, he makes up for in speed and power.
He is one of the most challenging wingers to play against due to his unique style.
His goal and assist as Wolves beat Manchester City 3-2 in December saw WhoScored.com award his performance with a perfect 10.0 rating.
Traore scored four goals and provided nine assists in 27 Premier League starts last season, with a further 10 appearances from the bench.
The former Barcelona academy talent is still just 23 and is getting better and stronger with every year.
At United he could really blossom with Aaron Wan-Bissaka behind him taking care of the defensive work. Traore could be allowed to play with an ‘all-out-attack’ style and would cause serious problems for defenders.
This past season Traore was the fastest attacking player in the Premier League, clocking a top speed of 23.49mph [Mirror].
So is a move viable?
The Mirror‘s report claims Wolves are open to cashing in, claiming they want at least double the £18 million they paid for Traore.
Realistically Wolves would demand a minimum of £50 million, especially if it is United who come calling.
The report links Liverpool and Manchester City as potential suitors for Traore. Duncan Castles told The Transfer Window Podcast in early July that United liked Traore too.
From a sporting perspective, Wolves surely would not want to sell to a competitor in the top half of the table, so it comes down to how badly they need cash.
The Mirror claim the club’s Chinese owners Fosun International have been badly hit by the pandemic and want to raise money for transfers through player sales, and prefer to cash in on Traore than striker Raul Jimenez.
Every player has a price
Every player has a price, but whether United and Wolves can agree is a totally different matter.
Even if United like Traore as suggested, there will be an upper limit to how the club’s decision makers value him. That could be £50 million, £60 million, anything.
If Wolves are looking for much more, like with Jadon Sancho so far, United could be priced out.
But if opinions and valuations align, this might end up becoming a move which appeals to both clubs, with United getting the winger the team needs.
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