With Ineos determined to upgrade and modernise every aspect of Manchester United – from their facilities to their recruitment – suggestions that the Red Devils’ new decision makers are planning to make more use of the South American market should really come as no surprise.
While Real Madrid snapped up Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo long before they became household names, while Barcelona won the race to sign Vitor Roque, and while their Premier League rivals brought in the likes of Richarlison, Joao Gomes and co on bargain fees, there is a feeling that Manchester United have not taken nearly enough advantage of one of the game’s most prosperous watering holes.
Fortunately, that looks likely to change.
United In Focus have been told that, with Ineos now pulling the strings and looking to make Old Trafford home to football’s best up-and-coming talents, baby-faced starlets based in Brazil, Argentina and other South American nations are likely to find themselves on Man United’s wishlist.
Mancehster United in Estevao Willian race
There have been links, already, with Boca Juniors’ Aaron Anselmino, Palmeiras’ Thalys, and River Plate duo Augustin Ruberto and Franco Mastantuono, to name but four. Estevao Willian is another intriguing name to keep an eye on.
He will only turn 17 next week, but Palmeiras’ latest wonderkid has already been the subject of a few mega-money bids from Paris Saint-Germain. The always-reliable Muppetiers YouTube channel now backs up claims from Mundo Deportivo, reporting that the twinkle-toed teenager is on Man United’s radar too.
Willian scored his first senior goal in a 3-1 Copa Libertadores victory over Liverpool (no, not that one, the Uruguayan equivalent) last week. And, speaking after the game, Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola claims to have been told by a source close to Palmeiras that an offer worth £50 million has arrived from the English Premier League.
“Before even scoring his first goal for Palmeiras, Willian had already received an official proposal,” Nicola explains on his YouTube channel.
“Someone from Palmeiras told me, on the afternoon of (last) Thursday, an English club offered Palmeiras 60 million euros; 40 million euros up front, and 20 million in variables (bonuses and add-ons).
“Palmeiras are not obliged to sell him. There will only be business if someone is willing to pay 60 million euros.”
Premier League club makes £50m bid
It seems that at least one of Willian’s suitors is ready to meet Palmeiras’ demands. Nicola could not confirm the identity of the club who made that eye-watering bid, however.
A Chelsea side who have invested heavily in South American youth in the Clearlake era have been heavily linked themselves of late, and Man United may have reservations about spending £50 million on a 16-year-old at a time in which serious money must be spent on a number of first-team additions.
“The source could not tell me the name of the English club,” Nicola adds. “But assured that Palmeiras will make a decision in the next few days. The Verdao are convinced that, the more he plays, the more valuable he will be. The idea is even to extend his contract.
“At the end of 2022, PSG offered 40 million euros. Last year, PSG increased this amount to 50 million euros. Now, an English club appears willing to pay 60 million euros.”
Willian, scorer of three goals in five games for Brazil’s Under 17 side, has been labelled ‘Messinho’ due to the similarities between himself and a certain World Cup-winning Argentine.
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