Manchester United risk missing out on £16m deal in Caicedo’s new situation. Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

Manchester United risk missing out on £16m deal in Caicedo’s new situation. Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

Manchester United risk missing out on £16m deal in another Caicedo situation

Fri 29 September 2023 7.30am

Then Owen

Manchester United are keen on Santos striker Marcos Leonardo but the fight is heating up with the Brazilian reportedly in talks with two of the Red Devils’ Premier League rivals.

The good news for Erik ten Hag and co is that neither Brighton and Hove Albion nor Brentford appear to be Marcos Leonardo’s dream destination.

Despite the excellent track record both clubs boast when it comes to developing young talent – Brighton’s reputation among South American newcomers is particularly impressive – one of Brazil’s brightest strikers appears to have set his sights a little higher up.

The Daily Mail reported in May that Manchester United were keeping an eye on the £16 million Leonardo. Naturally, United would invest a whopping £64m in 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund a few months later. But with the futures of Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood uncertain, there should still be room at Old Trafford in 2024 for an advantage on Leonardo’s potential and instincts.

Santos-Botafogo-Brasileirao 2023

Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

 

 

Manchester United must call Marcos Leoanrdo

Santos president, Alexandre Gallo, has already made it known that Leonardo will be able to leave if the Brazilian season ends before Christmas.

“He agreed to wait (until January),” Gallo said, via Football Italia. “We have increased his salary and put in place a series of rules that will allow him to leave in the next transfer window. Provided, of course, that the offer is interesting for Santos.”

 

The Brazilian Premier League says Leonardo has since been approached by both Brentford and Brighton. However, the Brazil U20 international, who has scored 15 goals in just 13 games in this age group, has concerns over his move to Thomas Frank’s Bees.

Another situation from Moises Caicedo

However, mere hints of Brighton’s interest should prompt Man United to convert their interest into something more concrete.

After all, the Seagulls seem to have a Midas touch when it comes to bringing future superstars to the Amex, while still harboring painful memories of the Moises Caicedo saga – United have just £4m, two years ahead of the £115m midfielder Pound missed out on. wants to become the Premier League’s most expensive player of all time – and that remains a lesson the Red Devils would learn from as the battle to sign Leonardo intensifies.