Sidney Sladen
Brazilian right back Fabinho’s father has revealed that there have been talks with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Barcelona.
Talking to French TV show J+1 (via Mirror), Fabinho’s father Joao said:
“We have been in talks with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal & approached by Barcelona.” He also revealed that they ‘like Manchester United and Mourinho’s work’ and that they have a soft spot for Man City.
He added: “We like Manchester United & Mourinho’s work, but we have a soft spot for Manchester City.”
Manchester United are believed to be trying to find a replacement for Darmian, who has been tipped to leave for Serie A, while Antonio Valencia is the only trusted personnel.
Fabinho has been in fine form for Monaco this term, scoring 5 goals and assisting one so far. His career graph shows that he has a better record in scoring goals than that of Dani Alves, who in his early stages of his career was not as threatening as Fabinho in front of goal. He is tipped to be the long term solution for the right-back role in the Brazil National Team and is only 23 years old. He is integral to AS Monaco in the current set-up and has featured 24 times in the league this season so far.
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Though Manchester United might be the ideal place for the player to join, given their illustrious history and brand value, it would be sensible to join Manchester City instead. The Citizens have two right-backs in Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta who are 33 and 32 years old respectively. It is natural for Pep Guardiola to try and replace them at the earliest. With Manchester City turning out to be a modern day big club, it wouldn’t be bad after all for the Brazilian full-back to join the blue side of Manchester. This is precisely why Fabinho’s father has indicated that ‘they have a soft spot for Manchester City’.
Furthermore, it is not a secret anymore that United are targeting some gems from Benfica, and if the recent reports from The Sun are to believed, they might land Benfica’s 23-year-old full-back Nelson Semedo in the summer. Point in case, United have no shortage of options, and if a decent scouting is done, they might get some worthy transfers at the end of the season.
It is clear though that both Manchester Clubs are interested in the player’s services and it will ultimately be a money battle between the two to sign the defender.
Fabinho has age and time by his side and this is a stage of his career where he has to think long and hard before making the next move. The prospect of playing for either of the Manchester Clubs is a tempting proposition and choosing one out of the two will be difficult, considering the recent history of the clubs.
