Krishnan Sreekumar
Transfer News: Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani linked with Brazil move
According to Spanish outlet AS via SportWitness (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani could be set to move to Brazilian side Botafogo at the end of the season.
Cavani moved to United in 2020 as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain, and has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford, with the striker’s hardworking and industrious nature lauded by the supporters.
With the forward’s current contract with the Red Devils running out in the summer, the Uruguayan is set to be a free agent and could depart Manchester since there has not been any news from either the club or the player about Cavani staying on with the team.
At 35, Cavani is one of the oldest players in the Premier League, but that has not stopped him from giving his all and running hard in one of the toughest competitions in the world. He still looks like he has a lot to give, and fans would want him to stay on and contribute to our goals next season as well.
Marquee signing for Botafogo
Unfortunately for United fans, Cavani has had an injury-plagued season this time around, with El Matador only appearing once for the side this year, against Burnley. At a time when we have been struggling to score regularly, the player has been sorely missed.
Nearing the end of his contract at Old Trafford, the striker has regularly been linked with a return to South America. Botafogo, who recently announced a new owner in John Textor, are looking to splash the cash on new signings this summer and have eyed Cavani as their marquee signing.
At one point in time, Cavani was one of the top strikers in the world, regularly finding the back of the net and posting impressive numbers on his goals tally. However, at 35, the player seems to have slowed down and his contact unavailability is just a reminder that he is in the twilight of his career.
The player has hardly featured despite United lacking in-form forwards, all down to the fact that he has not been fit enough to start a string of games. Mason Greenwood’s suspension from the team opened up a void that needed to be filled, but Cavani could not take that opportunity.
More Manchester United News
- Carlo Ancelotti provides positive response after Manchester United contact the Real Madrid boss
- Interim manager Ralf Rangnick gives insight as to how Manchester United can stop Manchester City ahead of the derby
- Team News: Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick gives squad update ahead of Manchester derby
Moving to South America may be a step down for someone of Cavani’s calibre, given he currently plays in arguably one of the most famous and competitive top leagues in the world, but given his recent troubles with injury and the player not getting any younger, a move away from the Premier League may be beneficial for the striker to prolong his career.
Although it is unknown if Botafogo have made a serious attempt to lure him, perhaps United fans will want him to stick around for yet another season. Apart from chipping in with goals, he could be a mentor to the younger forwards in the squad and help improve their game. If he keeps fit, he would be an added pair of legs as we compete for four trophies next season.
