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Transfer Update: Argentine starlet compared to Messi set to leave amidst Man United interest

Manchester United keen to sign Thiago Almada
Manchester United are in negotiation for Thiago Almada

Manchester United target Thiago Almada will leave Velez Sarsfield this summer

According to ESPN (h/t MEN), Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Argentine starlet Thiago Almada.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is seen as an alternative to Bundesliga sensation Jadon Sancho. The youngster’s performances have seen him be compared to Barcelona captain Lionel Messi. (h/t The Sun)

His performances have also caught the attention of our Blue rivals from across the city. Manchester City came close to signing him last summer, only for the player to stay put at Velez Sarsfield.

According to the report, Velez have accepted that the player will leave the club this summer. They have however resolved to take a strong stance at the negotiating table.

Manchester United target Thiago Almada is expected to leave Velez this summer
Manchester United target Thiago Almada is expected to leave Velez this summer

A member of Velez’s board also went on to confirm the same. He also went on to add that there are three more teams that have shown interest. This includes one from Argentina and two from Italy.

“We’re going to wait for the market to open so that we know what is real and who’s asking, and we’ll be as serious at the negotiating table as we have been since this administration began.”

According to MEN, United are readying a list of alternatives if they misse out on Sancho.

Jadon Sancho is a target for Manchester United
Almada is another alternative to Jadon Sancho

Some of these names are David Brooks, Rabbi Matondo, Federico Chiesa, and Federico Bernardeschi. United view the position as a priority this summer. Given Almada’s performances, it is no surprise that he is under consideration.

He is capable of playing in a variety of positions. He has made 46 appearances for Velez Sarsfield, scoring 9 goals and 4 assists.

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Former United defender Gabriel Heinze currently manages Almada at Velez. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Heinze played together at United for three years.

It is one avenue we could attempt to gain preference for a deal. Almada was the standout performer as Argentina’s Under-20’s reached the last 16 of their World Cup in 2019. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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