Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United star Edinson Cavani nearing Barcelona move
According to Spanish publication Sport (h/t The Mirror), Edinson Cavani is set to leave Manchester United soon and complete a transfer to Barcelona.
The 34-year-old came off the bench to secure an equalizer against Newcastle United on Monday night. Cavani had been injured for over two months but returned when his side needed him the most. Thus, he remains a crucial part of the team, but the striker looks set to move to Spain soon.
Barcelona are apparently still keen on the Uruguayan international’s signature. The Blaugrana club is on course to complete the signing of Ferran Torres from Man City but that has not stopped them from adding a striker from the red half of Manchester as well. He is also ready to accept a pay cut in his salary to join the Catalan club.
The move is thought to be ‘well on track’, but the La Liga outfit is only willing to sign him on a free transfer. Thus, a meeting has been scheduled between the centre-forward and Man United, where Cavani will request termination of his contract.
Cavani to Barca?
This deal could be favourable to Barcelona but it makes no sense for Man United to agree to it. There is no reason for a club to terminate the contract of one of its key stars so that he can sign for another club on a free transfer. That would practically indicate that the Red Devils do not want a transfer fee or the player’s services anymore.
The South American star showcased his importance against the Geordies by getting into the right areas and continuously trying to find the equalizer. He brought about the desire to win and the tenacity to try, something Cristiano Ronaldo failed to do in the first half.
Thus, it makes very little sense to part ways with such a professional athlete halfway through a campaign. The Top 4 race is still on, as is the desire to do well in the Champions League. The men in red may be inconsistent in the league but it is commendable how they finished top of the UCL group that contained Atalanta and Villarreal, regardless of the manner of the victories.
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Thus, this remains an exciting project, and the hierarchy would be smart to not do something so diabolically absurd to hinder the progress. Cavani might have his own ambitions, but he would be free to sign for another club once his contract expires in the summer. For now, the former PSG ace needs to produce more moments as he did on Monday night against the Magpies.
If, however, he does leave, we have the ammunition to see this season through, especially if Anthony Elanga’s rise is taken into account. But in terms of what is best for us, we should either keep Cavani because he is clearly still a good striker, or at least expect some financial compensation if he departs mid-season.
