Transfer News: Manchester United identify Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak as Cristiano Ronaldo replacement
According to the Mirror, Manchester United are keen on signing Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak as a potential replacement for forward Cristiano Ronaldo, in the event the United legend leaves in the summer.
Ronaldo made a return to Old Trafford at the beginning of the season after 12 long years away from the club where he cemented himself as a legend in Spain and Italy. The former Real Madrid man has fallen back to his regular routine of scoring goals and helping United to important wins as they look to end the season strongly.
However, with the star celebrating his 37th birthday yesterday and in danger of leaving Manchester in the summer if the club fails to secure Champions League qualification, Isak has been identified as the man to replace Ronaldo up front for United.
However, the club could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal for securing the Sweden international’s signature in the summer. Both sides may be in the market for a striker at the end of the season as they look to boost their squads, and United will need to do their best to convince Isak to pick them over the London clubs.
Giant transfer fee for Isak
Despite all the links tying him to Premier League sides, any club looking to sign the striker will need to cough up a huge amount of money as Real Sociedad have inserted a £75m buyout clause in his contract. It is claimed that Sociedad were unwilling to enter talks with other clubs unless they received an offer from sides that could match the eye-popping figure.
At the moment, United only have Marcus Rashford, Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in the squad who offer their services as strikers. With the latter players in their late 30s, the club may be tempted to make a big-money move for a young striker who could lead the line for them for many years in the future.
Only 22, Isak has proven to be one of the most highly-talented young strikers in Europe, proving his worth and regularly racking up appearances for both club and country. The forward is sure to be one of the main talking points in the summer, with top clubs entering the market in search of a top-quality forward to add to their ranks.
Having already loaned out Anthony Martial in the winter transfer window, United are out of options in the attacking department at the moment in case of an injury to both Ronaldo and Cavani. Only time will tell if Martial decides to stay on with the Red Devils beyond the summer, and if he leaves, then the club may well be forced to look for alternative striking options.
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Despite being linked to Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland, a more realistic option for United at the end of the season may be signing a young striker would be Isak. The summer is sure to throw up a gamut of names and options for the club, especially given that United are also looking for candidates to take up the job of a permanent manager ahead of the new campaign.
Isak’s name is likely to be heard once again at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether the club will make a move to actively recruit the player and add him to their ranks.
