Pranav Nair
Manchester United handed a major advantage in the pursuit of Ilaix Moriba
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Daily Mail), Manchester United have been handed a major advantage in their pursuit of Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba.
The 18-year-old is among the best young talents to emerge from La Masia in recent years. He currently has a year to go on his contract and negotiations with Barcelona have gotten nowhere.
The Catalan giants are cash strapped and are in no position to meet the youngster’s demands. This has alerted the likes of United, Manchester City and Chelsea to the player’s availability.
United have been aware of the youngster’s talent for some time and even made an unsuccessful bid to land him in March. With his situation at the Nou Camp less than secure it would appear we have ourselves another opportunity this summer.
Barcelona are keen to cash in on the youngster if he does not lower his wage demands. Having come through the academy from the age of seven, it remains to be seen if Moriba is willing to reaching a compromise.
The youngster made 18 appearances for Barcelona last season. He scored one goal and assisted three during that time. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Moriba has a buy-out clause of £86m and it remains to be seen if United can make use of his contract situation to bring down the price. Given the duration of his current deal, Barcelona will find themselves disadvantaged when it comes to negotiations.
The player came close to signing for Manchester City in 2019. Hopefully, he will eventually end up in the red half of the city.
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Barcelona have largely looked to the Bosman market to sign players this summer. The club has moved for Sergio Aguero, Georginio Wijnaldum, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.
