Pranav Nair
Manchester United set to trigger £52m Pedro Goncalves release clause
According to Portuguese publication Record (h/t Eurosport), Manchester United look set to activate the release clause of Sporting Lisbon winger Pedro Goncalves in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old attacker is enjoying a prolific season in the Portuguese top-flight. He has so far made 15 appearances in the league, scoring 14 goals and making two assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
His performances have inspired Sporting to the top of the Primeira Liga, where they currently hold an 8-point lead. As things stand, they look on course to win their first league title in 19 years.
United have been tracking Goncalves for some time now. We are far from the only ones with Liverpool also keen on the player. Jurgen Klopp’s side made an ultimately unsuccessful approach to secure him in January.
Sporting meanwhile are reluctant to sell and view the 22-year-old as a key component in their long-term plans. However, they could struggle to keep him if he keeps up his current level of performances.
The player has a relatively modest release clause of £52million. According to the report, United intend to activate it in the summer.
The right fit!
A right-winger, Goncalves is also versatile enough to play in central midfield. His ability to pick out a pass and also move into channels will see him fit in well in the United attack.
The Red Devils lack an explosive right-winger and in Goncalves, they could get just that. At 22, the midfielder has a long way to go in his career and could develop into something special.
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Sporting have also taken cognisance of Bruno Fernandes’ success at United. It has left them wishing they had demanded a higher transfer fee for the 26-year-old. (h/t The Athletic)
With them also having to factor in a 50% sell-on clause with Goncalves’ previous club Famalicao, United can expect Sporting to do them no favours.
