Manchester United’s focus will soon shift from January to the summer, and Ineos already have target number one penned in.
Ruben Amorim was never expecting huge amounts of business to be completed this month.
January is a notoriously difficult time to do business, and therefore moves tend to only be made if the opportunity presents itself, or if the club are desperately in need of an addition.
Manchester United have been forced into the market due to Tyrell Malacia’s disappointing performances, which have made a left wing-back an addition which couldn’t wait until the summer.
Patrick Dorgu therefore simply had to arrive and solve Amorim’s biggest problem position. He is expected to complete his move this weekend.
Now before the January window even closes, United’s transfer plans for the summer of 2025 are revealed.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Manchester United agree deal to sign Geovany Quenda
When Amorim first took charge, there were a handful of Sporting Lisbon players United were linked with for some of the best players that the head coach had there.
Viktor Gyokeres was one United wanted, but now it seems Geovany Quenda is shaping up as one of Ineos’ big targets for the summer transfer window.
According to David Ornstein, United are already exploring a deal to sign Quenda in the summer, with Ineos looking into the move.
Quenda doesn’t turn 18 until April which means the summer is likely the earliest opportunity to sign him.
Despite early claims Quenda may cost £83m, Ornstein has explained a deal worth roughly £33m is what the Portugual youth international is expected to cost.
He tweeted hours after Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed a deal was already done for Quenda to join in the summer with the move ‘certain’ to happen for around £50m.
Ornstein reinforced that work for this summer will not begin until this window shuts. Amorim would reportedly ‘love’ to work with Quenda again, so the deal makes too much sense not to do.
Quenda could be a game-changer for Ruben Amorim
Signing Quenda would be a significant move for United, and would emphasise that the club are in it for the long haul with Amorim.
Quenda would be a right wing-back for Amorim’s system – a role he broke out of the academy at Sporting under Amorim.
Adding a player with the physicality and technical ability of Quenda would be akin to adding Dorgu on the left and is possibly the dream pairing many United fans would have wanted to see.
It is important to note, this wouldn’t be like Erik ten Hag singing his former Ajax players. United wanted Quenda before Amorim arrived, and it is likely half of Europe will soon follow suit.
Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez has labelled Quenda ‘spectacular’, telling press of the 17-year-old’s ability.
“He fits in on the right wing, as we worked on in September. That is the position Quenda will work on tomorrow. It is a position he knows well.
“More than a versatile player, he brings balance and technical ability, not just the position. He is a player with magic and who can make the difference in the final third.
“He is a player with a spectacular future and his experience of being in the national team, whether he plays on the pitch or not, is important.”
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