Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United are looking to make their first signing of the next summer transfer window even before the window opens. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are keen to wrap up a deal for the exciting Spanish Under-21 midfielder Carlos Soler.
If this happens, that would be some record! Clubs usually take long to finalise their transfer targets and we often see a mad scramble for signatures close to the deadline day.
United proved to be an exception this summer with deals for key targets achieved as early as July. The Red Devils wrapped up deals for Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku, and Nemanja Matic by July, giving the players ample time to settle into the first team.
The club hierarchy wants to repeat the trick for next summer by going for Soler very early. United have started talks with Soler’s current club Valencia with a view of making a bid.
The midfielder has a buy-out clause of £75m but it is being reported that the La Liga side may not hold out for that price due to mounting financial issues at the club. United believe that Valencia can be convinced to do business at £30m and feel that it is a good price point for the youngster.
The 20-year-old Soler first caught United’s attention last season when he broke into Valencia’s first-team. Jose Mourinho sees him as a perfect foil for Paul Pogba and Matic in his midfield, to form a potent trident.
With Michael Carrick set to retire at the end of the season and question marks over the future of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, there is increased urgency within the club hierarchy to find suitable replacements.
Soler scored for Valencia earlier this season against Real Madrid in a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has had a direct hand in 5 goals this season, in 9 league appearances – one goal and four assists. His contributions have been vital in Los Che’s stunning start to the season that has seen them stay 2nd in the table, ahead of Real Madrid.
