Fabrizio Romano is yet to utter those three magic words.
Manchester United supporters will need to be patient as they await the fourth ‘here we go’ of the summer, following the earlier acquisitions of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and former Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi Martin.
But Romano certainly did little to quell the excitement with a not-so cryptic clue that certainly won’t take much deciphering.
At just after 10:30 on Saturday morning, Romano – referring to an earlier post talking about Noussair Mazraoui’s potential move to Old Trafford – tweeted a Morocco flag, a circle in the colour of United’s home shirt, and a pair of googly eyes for good measure.
The implication being, of course, that we may be only 24 or 48 hours away from some confirmation at last.
Manchester United close in on Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui is all but certain to become the latest addition to Erik ten Hag’s side.
A versatile, two-footed full-back who offers depth on both the right and the left flank, Ten Hag’s former Ajax stalwart is allegedly on his way to England’s North West for a fee of £21 million, per Foot Mercato.
And while Mazraoui did feature during Bayern Munich’s 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Tottenham Hotspur – Vincent Kompany edging out Ange Postecoglou – this appears to have been a farewell appearance for a man who played the final 25 minutes or so hour in the Korean capital of Seoul.
Florian Plettenberg, the Sky Germany reporter, wrote on X that – while Mazraoui to United is not a ‘done deal’ yet – an agreement is in place between the Morocco international and the Ineos-ran Premier League powerhouses.
Mazraoui is very keen on the move. And his wish should soon become a reality.
Bayern Munich yet to agree Mazraoui and De Ligt sale
According to ESPN, Manchester United saw a combined bid for Mazraoui and centre-half Matthijs de Ligt rejected by Bayern Munich on Friday.
The Bavarian giants reportedly want £55 million for the defensive duo, both of whom do not appear to be part of Kompany’s plans at the Allianz Arena. Presumably, the rejection means United’s offer fell short of that magic number.
But £55 million for two international players who would add invaluable depth to Ten Hag’s backline still feels like good business.
If previous reports are to be believed, Mazraoui will account for around £21 million of that fee with De Ligt – a team-mate of his at both Ajax and Bayern – making up the remaining £34 million.
Should things go as planned, Mazraoui could even make his United debut in Saturday’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley.
Reporter Santi Aouna claims that Bayern have told Mazraoui that he is free to seal a reunion with his former Eredivisie-winning head coach. The 26-year-old even has a medical planned for Tuesday, though United may still have to seal the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham first.
A transfer that has been described as a ‘really good move‘ for all parties.
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