Thomas Partey’s outstanding performances for Atletico Madrid this season have helped make him one of the most in-demand players in Europe.
In recent days speculation linking him with a summer move to Manchester United has ramped up.
Ghanaian sports journalist Saddick Adams said Partey ‘loves the United link’ and is favouring a move to the Premier League.
Rio Ferdinand also named Partey on The Beautiful Game Podcast as one of the players he would choose to sign for United this summer.
Spanish outlet Cadena Ser suggested in early March that United were one of two English teams to have been in touch.
Sign him, and figure out the rest later
If Partey really does favour a move to Manchester United, then the club absolutely have to get the deal done.
He has a release clause of 50m Euros (£43 million), and even in this market, the price looks cheap.
Signing Partey would give Manchester United the league’s strongest midfield. There is not a set of six midfield players at any Premier League club who have the same ability as the ones we would possess.
Already stocked with Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic, Partey would give United a formidable set of players to choose from.
Partey would likely displace Matic as the team’s first choice defensive midfielder.
A trio of Partey, Pogba and Fernandes would be an elite trio, the best United have had for years.
But Partey is more than just a defensive player. He can get forward too, scoring nine goals across the past three seasons, and last year he provided four assists. He’s a complete midfielder who will compliment the team’s existing options.
He would give United flexibility, if the team moved to a diamond midfield, he could play alongside Matic, and with Pogba.
A move would also allow United to play Pogba further forward, in games when Fernandes is rested, the Frenchman could play as a number 10.
What if Pogba leaves?
Having Pogba and Partey in the same team may be a combination United fans would not get to see. The Ghanaian could end up as the World Cup winner’s replacement.
In this event, United would still have a team capable of challenging for silverware. Just don’t expect Partey to be the only midfield addition.
If Partey is signed and Pogba is sold, then it is likely United would renew interest in another creative midfielder, like Jack Grealish, or a younger and cheaper alternative.
So will he sign?
Partey is a player United have not been as obvious about chasing in comparison to Jadon Sancho.
There is strong rival interest from Partey from Arsenal, and the threat of him signing with a Premier League rival should intensify United’s pursuit of him. Letting him head there would be a big mistake.
Mundo Deportivo report Bayern Munich are also keen, which complicates matters.
Gianluca di Marzio last night told Sky Sports News that ‘it will not be a surprise if Thomas Partey was to stay,’ at Atletico Madrid.
Partey is settled in Spain, but his reported interest in a Premier League move, and United, gives hope to a potential transfer deal.
Don’t rule it out. If United are serious about getting stronger immediately, this is a deal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to make.
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