Manchetser United keen on Benfica youngster Florentino Luis

According to ESPN, Manchester United have identified Benfica youngster Florentino Luis as a key addition ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old has made 15 appearances this season, making one assist. His agent, Bruno Carvalho Santos, met with United officials in January and has been dealing with enquiries since.

Predominantly deployed as a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing in central midfield. Having come up through the Eagles’ youth system, he has made 29 first-team appearances. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Luis is nicknamed ‘the Octopus’ for his athleticism and ball-winning ability., A number of clubs across Europe are keeping tabs on him. This includes AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Betis.

Championship side Leeds United have also shown an interest in him. The player’s agent has confirmed interest in the player from various countries. (h/t Daily Mail)

“There has been a lot of talk about Milan, but I can tell you that there is a lot of competition for his services, with clubs in England, Germany, and Spain also following him closely.”

The youngster’s contract at Benfica runs till 2024. Benfica are open to letting him leave on loan with the view of making the deal permanent.

Luis has had to contend himself with a lesser number of appearances this season. This can be attributed to both injuries and the arrival of Julian Weigl.

United have in recent windows pursued some of the best young talents in world football. The fact that Luis has fallen behind Weigl, who has struggled at Dortmund, is not a promising sign.

Still 20, he has a long way to go in his career and can get much better. In time, the moniker ‘the octopus’ could even become a household name.

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Benfica permitting the player to initially leave on loan is a good sign for us. The club will do well to add the clause to make him permanent if he meets performance-related criteria.

Whether United are willing to go big on the player remains to be seen.