Fabrizio Romano Reveals What He Has Been Told About Luis Campos and Manchester United
As Manchester United prepare for a crucial summer of transition under the partial ownership of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, speculation continues to swirl about the structural changes taking place behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Among the names linked with a strategic role is the renowned Portuguese sporting director Luis Campos, widely regarded as one of the best talent identifiers in European football.
In a recent update, respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano addressed growing rumors connecting Campos to Manchester United. Speaking on his Here We Go podcast and through his social media updates, Romano revealed what he has been told by sources close to the situation—offering clarity, insight, and a hint of what may lie ahead for both parties.
Who is Luis Campos?
Before delving into Romano’s revelations, it’s important to understand who Luis Campos is and why he is such a coveted figure in European football circles.
Campos rose to prominence as a talent spotter and recruitment guru, first gaining attention at AS Monaco during their remarkable 2016–17 title-winning season. Under his guidance, Monaco recruited and developed stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, and Thomas Lemar—players who would later generate hundreds of millions in transfer revenue.
His next success came at Lille, where he helped build another Ligue 1-winning side by signing undervalued or undiscovered talents like Victor Osimhen, Nicolas Pépé, and Gabriel Magalhães. Campos’s keen eye for talent, combined with an analytical and strategic approach to squad building, earned him a reputation as one of the most efficient and forward-thinking sporting directors in Europe.
Currently, Campos holds a consultancy role with Paris Saint-Germain, though his exact influence at the French giants has fluctuated due to internal politics and an unclear hierarchy. His future in Paris has come under question, opening the door to new opportunities—and that’s where Manchester United enter the conversation.
Romano’s Insight: What He’s Been Told
According to Fabrizio Romano, as of his latest reports, Manchester United have not made any formal or official approach to Luis Campos—but there have been discussions internally about restructuring the club’s sporting operations, and Campos’s name has indeed come up in those conversations.
Romano emphasizes that Luis Campos is admired by some figures within the INEOS football group and that he is on a “list of potential candidates” being considered for a broader role in the new Manchester United era. However, Romano is quick to clarify that no agreement is in place and no negotiations are currently active between Campos and the club.
> “I’ve been told Manchester United have a long list of profiles they are considering as part of their sporting structure under INEOS,” Romano stated. “Luis Campos is one of the names that has been internally discussed. He’s highly respected, but as of now, nothing is advanced or concrete.”
Romano also added that United’s current focus is on finalizing their director of football setup, with Jason Wilcox recently appointed as Technical Director and further key positions—like a permanent Head of Recruitment—still in the works. The idea is to build a stable, collaborative structure rather than rely on a single dominant figure, as was the case during Ed Woodward’s era.
Why United Might Consider Campos
The admiration for Luis Campos is not unfounded. As Manchester United shift toward a more sustainable, data-led recruitment model, Campos’s track record fits perfectly with the club’s vision under Ratcliffe and INEOS.
One of the main criticisms of United in recent years has been their chaotic and overpriced recruitment strategy. Big-money signings like Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, and Antony have failed to live up to expectations, while key squad roles have gone unaddressed for multiple seasons.
Campos, by contrast, has made a career out of discovering undervalued players, implementing coherent squad strategies, and maximizing the return on investments. His appointment—either as an advisor or in a more formal sporting director capacity—would immediately lend United a sense of credibility and direction in the transfer market.
Furthermore, Campos has historically thrived in setups where he’s given the freedom to implement long-term vision. This aligns well with INEOS’s broader ambition of transforming United into a lean, smartly-run operation modeled more closely after football-first clubs like Brighton or even his former teams in France.
Challenges to the Move
Despite the obvious benefits of bringing in someone of Campos’s stature, Romano was clear that several hurdles exist. The first is Campos’s current role at PSG, where he still has contractual obligations. Even though tensions reportedly exist between Campos and some figures at the French club, an amicable exit may require negotiations and compensation.
Second, Manchester United are not looking for a single individual to dominate their sporting operations. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group prefers collaboration over concentration of power, and Campos has traditionally operated with a high level of autonomy—sometimes clashing with club hierarchies that restrict his control.
Romano also noted that United may be leaning toward younger, more progressive candidates who can grow with the club in tandem with their data and analytics departments. Names like Lee Congerton (Atalanta) and Sam Jewell (Brighton) have also been linked with behind-the-scenes roles.
What Happens Next?
According to Romano, the next few weeks will be pivotal for Manchester United’s internal restructuring. Once the executive team is fully established, transfer strategies will begin to take shape for the summer window. While Campos remains a figure of interest, the chances of an immediate appointment are uncertain.
> “I would keep an eye on how the situation develops, especially if Campos leaves PSG,” Romano concluded. “But right now, United are not actively negotiating with him.”
That statement leaves the door open for future developments, especially if PSG undergo another shakeup or if United decide to pursue a more experienced operator in the coming months.
The Bigger Picture at Old Trafford
Ultimately, the speculation around Luis Campos underscores how seriously Manchester United are taking their behind-the-scenes overhaul. For years, the club has been criticized for lacking direction and failing to modernize their football operations. The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS team has changed that narrative, placing a renewed focus on structure, process, and smart recruitment.
Whether Campos ends up at Old Trafford or not, his association with United—even at the rumor level—signals a shift toward ambition and competence. Fans desperate to see the club return to the summit of English and European football can take some encouragement from the calibre of individuals now being linked to the project.
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