Sridhar Bhamidi
As Manchester United close in on signing the Portuguese wonder kid Umaro Embalo, there seems to be some confusion over the development. Speaking to Portuguese media outlet “A Bola”, Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira mentioned that he was not going to sell his star player.
This is in stark contrast to news from Portugal last week that spoke about the youngster having already been snapped up by the Red Devils. Embalo is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, with top clubs regularly in attendance to watch him play. United were linked with the player for quite some time and were believed to have reached an agreement for the winger.
Old Trafford has seen success in the past with recruits from Portugal and names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani spring to our mind immediately. Although our experience with Bebe was a nightmare, it is fair to say that Portuguese wingers have been a hit with Old Trafford faithful.
That said, there was enough excitement among the fans once it was reported by Portuguese newspaper “Record” (h/t Metro) that a deal for Embalo was done.
But, there was no confirmation from Benfica, Manchester United, or the player himself about the deal which put the move under question. Adding to that confusion, Vieira told the media that he was not going to sell his top players – Joao Carvalho and Embalo.
“Every time I leave Portugal, I’m going to sell players. Even now, I had to leave Portugal and there was news in a newspaper: ‘Benfica sold João Carvalho’. I did not even mention Joao Carvalho. It’s the most cursory stuff.”
When asked about the future of Embalo, he denied completing the sale.
“It is not worth talking about the news of players who have been sold. I just said that I will not sell anyone.”
So, will the move materialise? Embalo’s agent Catio Balde keeps reiterating the fact that there are conversations between Benfica and United. That means, it is far from certain if he will arrive at Old Trafford.
However, there is nothing much to read into what Vieira says because he has a record of pushing up the value of his players as well as sticking to a “no sale” stance while negotiating in the background.
The Portuguese side is known for selling their best youngsters for the right price. Even though there is confusion around the transfer, don’t be surprised if the move is announced soon.
What do you think? Will Umaro Embalo be a Red Devil this January?
