There is often no shortage of world-class talent in Portuguese football, as clubs in Portugal recruit players from South America in the bucket loads. Since the Champions League football is also available to the top Portuguese clubs like Benfica and FC Porto, they can afford to retain the best youngsters if the price is not right. One of the highly rated talents in Portuguese football at the moment is Goncalo Guedes. The 19-year-old has been subjected to interest from almost every top club in Europe.
Manchester United are thought to have kept a close eye on the transfer developments surrounding the youngster. Jose Mourinho reportedly sees him as an ideal fit in the United squad, but it looks like they may be forced to pay well over €25 million for the player. At just 19 years of age, he is clearly not the finished article.
Goncalo Guedes did not have the greatest start to the campaign after scoring one goal and having two assists in nine appearances. However, the talent at his disposal is clear for every scout to see and it is not a coincidence that he is linked with every top club in Europe. Atletico Madrid and Valencia are thought to be highly regarded by the player. Both these clubs will be able to offer first-team football straight away while also being close to Portugal.
Moving to a club like United will see Goncalo Guedes going through a transition phase where he may not get a lot of regular first-team football straight away. There may even be the odd loan spell or two. Over the years, several such talented youngsters have failed to fulfil their potential as a result of not choosing their move correctly.
A clear reason for United being interested in the 19-year-old is the need for reducing the age in the centre of the park. Even after the signing of Paul Pogba for a world record £ 89 million, United still have several players on the last legs of their careers. Michael Carrick is certainly one name needs to be replaced in midfield, as the 35-year-old is unlikely to carry on playing at the top level for a long.
Benfica will feel that €25 million is not an excessive pricing for a youngster with great talent within his arsenal. The new TV money influx into the Premier League has resulted in clubs from England having to pay over the odds for their transfer targets. United may very well face the same situation for the 19-year-old.
