One of the biggest successes for Manchester United in the summer transfer window has been Eric Bailly. The centre back may have cost a whopping £30 million, but he has put in some standout performances before his recent injury. United are thought to be keen on strengthening the centre back position and they have identified Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez as a suitable signing, according to the reports from the Mirror.
United still have a good complement of international defenders like Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, and Daley Blind ready to replace Bailly. Jose Mourinho even was extremely happy with Rojo’s performances in the recent Manchester derby. While these are great players on an individual basis, Mourinho reportedly does not see them as a proper team. The Portuguese has hinted that he is happy with the club’s defensive performances so far. The Red Devils have been let down massively only in an attacking sense.
Gimenez, though, will not be a cheap signing by any means, as he reportedly has a release clause of £50 million in his contract. The 21-year-old is rated as a real talent within the Atletico Madrid squad. Incredibly, the Spanish club managed to sign him for as little as €1 million back in 2013. His rise was one of the primary reasons for Diego Simeone deciding to sell Joao Miranda – a pillar and a symbol of Atletico’s never-ending intensity – to Inter Milan in 2015.
The Uruguay international came to prominence last season when he made 38 appearances in all competitions. His talent coupled with the impressive progress did not go unnoticed at international level as he started appearing for the Uruguay national team since 2013. He has already racked up 21 appearances even at this young age. Almost every top club is after the 21-year-old, but Manchester United believe that the promise of regular first-team football could make a difference in their pursuit.
A deal of this magnitude is unlikely to be done in January, but Manchester United are almost certain to make their move in the summer if the scouting of Gimenez continues in a positive fashion. United are waiting for the 21-year-old to make an impact this season.
A major advantage in favour of United is the fact that Gimenez’ contract runs out in the summer of 2018. He is currently involved in an ugly tangle with Atletico over an extension. The player is currently having the bigger say, as Atletico do not want to be left in a compromising position with the transfer embargo preventing the club from signing replacements. If Atletico sees that the player would not sign a new deal under any circumstance, they may very well decide to sell him in the summer.
