Patrick Rees
Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has suggested that Fabinho to Manchester United could happen in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old Brazilian was a revelation in Monaco’s Ligue 1 winning campaign and played all but one league game last season. Winning the domestic honour for the first time since 2000, Jardim initially used Fabinho as a right-back but later deployed him as a defensive midfielder. In 37 league appearances, the full-back scored in impressive 9 goals and created 33 goal scoring opportunities and eventually saw himself get linked with Manchester United and Manchester City.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has claimed that it would be hard for the team to retain their star men in January.
“He’s one of the key players in our squad, a very regular player. He’s very important, we can always count on him. We are very happy that we managed to keep him. I think this is one player you want to keep forever,” Vasilyev told Sky Sports.
“But we realise in Monaco we have a certain model, that at a certain moment, when we feel it’s right, we have to let players go in order to be successful again. This is not only about money; this is more about being successful.
“Yes, that’s the idea [Fabinho expected to stay in January], of course. You never want to make any major changes in January, except something really extraordinary.”
And now, former Marseille and Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has fueled the rumour by suggesting that Fabinho could move to Manchester United in January itself. He also quoted that Manchester City are in the fray, but given that they already have Fernandinho who is in excellent form this season, it is hard to see Fabinho moving to the Etihad.
“I think this could happen in January, or next summer,” Pires told Bwin, when asked if the Red Devils could sign Fabinho in January.
“Manchester City could also be interested but they’ve got Fernandinho at the moment, who is playing very well,” he added.
Given Fabinho’s versatility, the 24-year-old will be a welcome addition for Manchester United as Antonio Valencia is the only solid option for the right-back slot. United have long been chasing Fabinho and now with Monaco themselves stating that he might leave, a move could well and truly be on the cards.
