Jadon Sancho is not the only winger available in European football.
Manchester United still need a top wide man capable of making an instant impact, and looking to Spain instead of Germany could be a smart move.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal is a talent who United’s scouts should be paying attention to.
And an ideal opportunity to get in touch with the Spaniards has presented itself.
Sky Sports report Jesse Lingard is in touch with Sociedad over a potential loan move.
United should throw Lingard in on a permanent deal if it helps sweeten a move for Oyarzabal.
The case for Oyarzabal
Oyarzabal is 23 and plays as a left winger. He would provide competition for United in the position for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, and is more of a natural winger than both players.
He has recently been capped by Spain and is emerging as a future playmaker for his country, recently netting in their 6-0 demolition of Germany.
Oyarzabal is also Sociedad’s captain. He is thriving at the club where Antoine Griezmann made his name.
This past season he has scored seven goals in nine La Liga games, while also providing two assists. At present he is their top scorer.
Last season Oyarzabal scored 10 league goals and provided 11 assists. In 2018/19 he struck 13 league goals.
His form has led Sociedad to a lofty second in the La Liga table amid poor seasons so far for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Oyarzabal is not a player reliant on pace. He is more of a David Silva style schemer than a Dan James.
There’s a release clause
United could simply pay the £67 million release clause in Oyarzabal’s contract.
But there’s a chance for United to try and push a price down and negotiate with Sociedad, especially with Lingard as part of a deal.
Sociedad won’t give away their top scorer on the cheap mid-season, but in the summer this could become an option for United.
With Oyarzabal on the left and Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo battling it out for positions on the right, United could suddenly have a few more dazzling wide options by next year.
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