Manchester United have reportedly come to an agreement with Benfica for another one of their players, as Turkish newspaper AMK claims that Benfica’s Anderson Talisca has agreed to move to Old Trafford in the next few weeks. A deal could be completed if United agree to a transfer fee with Benfica or decide to meet the release clause of the player, which currently stands at around £22 million. United believe that the 23-year-old can be signed for significantly less and may come in with a £15 million offer.
The attacking midfielder spent the last campaign on loan at Besiktas and he still has 12 months left on that loan deal. However, the loan move could be cut short with the player coming to English football on a permanent transfer. Anderson Talisca was influential for Besiktas after coming up with 16 goals in just 31 games, as they managed to win the league title ahead of heavyweights like Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. This form seems to have been a key motivating factor behind United making a swift move for the Brazilian, with manager Jose Mourinho a long-term admirer of the attacker.
Talisca is expected to be a key signing for United, as he would provide some much-needed options in the offensive areas of the pitch. While the Red Devils are well stocked in the attacking midfield positions with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata among the options at Mourinho’s disposal, Talisca is expected to add an alternate dimension to the team’s attack with his speed and directness in the final third of the pitch.
Last week, the 23-year old had revealed that he dreams of a move to the Old Trafford and is yearning for a chance to work with Jose Mourinho. Speaking in an interview with Portuguese news site Globoesporte, he was quoted as saying (h/t The Sun):
“It’s a question that I can not answer… yet. It’s a dream, something all players want.
“But it’s a love that exists, I will not lie.
“It’s something that all players want [a move to Manchester United].
“I had a good season and, as I said, his [Mourinho’s] love is old and I like his work as well. I hope everything works out.”
Even though Talisca has been a major contributor in the Turkish league, his performances have not gone noticed at the international level. He has featured in the U-23 levels for the Brazilian national team, but the 23-year-old is yet to make his senior debut. Talisca is hoping on a Manchester United career to help him in this regard.
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