Manchester United appear to have lined up Goncalo Guedes as a replacement for Memphis Depay, who has now departed to Lyon. United can consider themselves lucky for receiving a £16 million upfront fee along with around £5 million in performance-related bonuses for the Dutch winger. The club appear ready to reinvest this money straight away by fast tracking their interest in Guedes. Victor Lindelof looked like being the big-money move from Benfica this January, but it appears that Guedes may actually become that player, The Express reports.
Unlike Lindelof, Guedes has been at Benfica throughout his career – right from the youth teams. He has enjoyed a fine campaign by scoring 5 goals in the 24 games across all competitions. The 20-year-old is capable of playing the right side of the attacking midfield, although he has played more in forward positions this season. It is reported that United have agreed a £26 million fee with the Portuguese club for the attacker.
Benfica are certainly in a strong position as far as negotiating potential transfer fees for the player, as he has a contract with the Portuguese club until the summer of 2021.
An extremely capable player when it comes to holding the ball, the attacker likes to test opposition goalkeepers from the distance. Yet, one of his weaknesses has been his finishing skills. Despite averaging almost 2.5 shots per game, his return of five goals do seem a little low especially for a player on the verge of a move to United.
United are yet to make any significant signings in this January transfer window. Even though there is now a strong possibility of Guedes becoming the first major signing of this January window for the Red Devils, the club could face intense competition from Paris St Germain for the 20-year-old’s signature. Jose Mourinho will certainly be contemplating making some moves in January after watching his team fall to the dreaded cycle of 1-1 draws. United have now been involved in back-to-back 1-1 draws – similar to their run in November – against Liverpool and Stoke City. The club remain outside the top four following these results.
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