According to the German media outlet Bild via Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have identified RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano as a primary transfer target for the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been following the 20-year-old’s progress in the Bundesliga over the last few months and are willing to launch a summer transfer swoop for the Frenchman.
Manchester United Interim manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has reiterated his desires to secure defensive targets after missing out on securing any deal in the just concluded Winter transfer window. The 20-year-old Bundesliga star has already made an appearance in 54 games despite playing just two and a half seasons in the first tier football.
The Frenchman came under the spotlight when his nation won the Euro U-17 tournament in 2015. Since then, the centre-back has been developing at an exceptional pace. The six-feet-tall Upamecano is a complete defensive package, along with his fierce interception abilities and threat in the aerial duels, the prodigy is versatile, having the ability to play as a defensive midfielder as well.
The report suggests that the RB Leipzig star has a massive buyout clause of €100 million, which needs to be triggered by the Red Devils in a bid to secure his services. The current highest transfer amount splashed for a defender is €75 million – paid by Liverpool to lure Virgil Van Dijk away from Southampton.
Following a dreadful start to the season under Jose Mourinho, Manchester United are finally back on their usual standards under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils have been struggling defensively this season, having conceded 35 goals in the Premier League – the worst defensive record amongst the top-five sides.
While the Norwegian tactician still awaits his permanent appointment, he has delivered with some splendid results during his short tenure at Old Trafford. Solskjaer still does not know his best defensive pair for the heart of United’s defence, which means, Upamecano would have room to settle in quickly and start his legacy at the Old Trafford, replicating the same fortune of Virgil Van Dijk at the Anfield.
The Red Devils are desperately searching for a right-winger and a centre-back to strengthen their squad. They’ve been linked with Napoli star, Kalidou Koulibaly. If the approach for the Serie A star fails, the Red Devils might possibly turn their heads to Dayot Upamecano.
Following a Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday, Manchester United will host French champions Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.