Manchester United should already be looking ahead to the next transfer window, and filling the voids left in the squad.
One of many players United were linked to was Spanish winger Dani Olmo, regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe.
Olmo came out this week and vented his annoyance at Dinamo Zagreb for denying him a move.
United were claimed by Croatian newspaper Sportske Novotski in July to be considering a 40 million Euro (£35.8 million) move for Olmo.
Olmo told the same outlet: “I have nothing to hide. I wanted to leave Dinamo, I wanted to move on and join a strong club in the big leagues. I thought this summer was the best time to leave,” he said.
“I think (the asking price) was too high. Realistically, it’s difficult for a player in the Croatian league to go for this price.”
Perfect platform
Olmo could prove himself wrong, as his form in 2019 has been nothing short of outstanding.
He scored three goals in five games to fire Spain to win the European under-21 championships this summer.
Last season he scored nine goals and provided 12 assists, and this season already he has four goals and four assists for his club in just six games.
His form in the Champions League qualifiers has helped him land Zagreb in the group stages.
Along with teammate and fellow United target Dominik Livakovic, he will face Manchester City twice.
This is the perfect platform for him to show teams he is worth the money. United are far from the only club rumoured to be interested.
Fernandes alternative
Olmo is capable of playing as a winger, but his performances for Zagreb this season have come in a central attacking role.
This makes Olmo an ideal alternative to Bruno Fernandes, who United chose not to move for.
Olmo is three years younger, and his pass completion rate at the European Championships was 82 per cent, Whoscored report.
United did not move for Fernandes, The Mail claimed, because he recorded just 75 per cent.
Like how Jadon Sancho quit Manchester City to chase first team football, Olmo left Barcelona in the same manner, and is also flourishing
There is obviously a desire from Spanish sides to bring him back, but United need to revisit their alleged interest.
At 21, Olmo has everything needed to be a success at Solskjaer’s United, except a British passport.
If he can impress in the Champions League, given that he is also desperate for a move, that should be enough to convince United to make him Solskjaer’s first signing from the continent.
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