Man Utd set sights on midfielder who has a huge £427 million release clause for a big signing
Manchester United are reportedly interested in a Barcelona midfielder who has a huge £427 million release clause.
Man United’s head coach Michael Carrick wants to strengthen the team as they get ready to compete in four tournaments next season: the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League.
Even though United had an eye on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, both of whom ended up signing for Spurs, they have still added midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to the squad, signing them from Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow also joined from Leeds United on a free transfer and will back up Senne Lammens.
Earlier this summer, it looked like a deal to bring Atalanta midfielder Ederson to United was almost done. But the club has since pulled out of that move.
Now, they seem keen to add more midfielders. Mundo Deportivo says United is one of several clubs interested in 19-year-old Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal.
Bernal, who came through Barca’s famous La Masia academy, played 25 times in La Liga last season, scoring 2 goals and assisting once as Barca won the Spanish title. He also earned his first Spain cap in a pre-World Cup friendly in June but didn’t make the final squad.
The left-footed player is 6’4” tall and usually plays as a defensive midfielder, but he’s also comfortable going forward when needed. His versatility is admired by United.
Other clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, and Saudi club Al Nassr are also watching Bernal.
Bernal is under contract with Barcelona until 2029, and his release clause is a massive £427 million. Barca considers him untouchable and say he is very loyal to the club.
United are also linked with other midfielders like Roma’s Manu Koné, Fulham’s Sander Berge, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Tyler Adams.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee might leave, with Juventus interested in Zirkzee.
The transfer window closes on September 1.
In May, Bernal spoke highly of Barca boss Flick in an interview, saying, “I owe him my life. He believed in me when I was only 17, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Mundo Deportivo reports that Flick sees Bernal as a key part of Barcelona’s future, despite other clubs showing interest.