Surajit Das
Transfer News: Manchester United fell short of meeting the release clause of Vitinha
According to transfer news from O Jogo via Sport Witness, Porto Chief revealed their demands for Vitinha after the first bid of Manchester United was rejected.
Vitinha was a key player for Porto during their title-winning season, appearing in 47 games across all competitions. The midfielder’s performances have piqued the curiosity of large Premier League teams interested in bringing him back to England this summer.
Vitinha spent the 2020/21 season on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he made 22 appearances in all competitions. His presence was insufficient to persuade the club to make a permanent move, however, that choice might backfire if his release clause is activated.
Porto are requesting the €40 million release clause to be paid in order to sign Vitinha, and United were thought to be close to activating the clause, but the club chief of the Portuguese club has stated that this is not the case, at least not yet.
“There was a concrete offer of considerable value for Vitinha. We did not accept and refer to the termination clause, which is the only way to take the player from us. If they come with a euro below Vitinha’s release clause, he doesn’t leave.”
It is no secret who Man United’s favourite midfield option is ahead of next season, but a deal for De Jong is tricky. Vitinha may provide the Red Devils with a similar but less experienced player who can fill the same function as the Dutchman at Old Trafford. At 22, the Portuguese midfielder has a lot to offer.
Vitinha can play in a defensive midfield role, but he is not a defensive specialist like Nemanja Matic, who is leaving the club. He is a small and technically brilliant midfielder and might be a feasible option for the team if the Red Devils’ pursuit of Frenkie de Jong fails.
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With the Portuguese international on their shortlist for a new midfielder, Manchester United might investigate the possibility. Paying the €40 million release clause should not be too difficult for Manchester United. They also have close ties with Porto as a result of their work for Alex Telles.
