Man Utd starts talks for next transfer just hours after signing Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans became Manchester United’s second summer signing on Tuesday, and just hours later, INEOS started talking about bringing in a third player. It’s been a busy start to the week at Old Trafford! On Monday, United announced they had signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for about £48 million, plus an extra £2 million in add-ons.
Soon after that, United moved quickly to sign Tielemans by activating the £35 million release clause in his Aston Villa contract. His signing surprised many, but it was completed fast, and the 29-year-old has now signed a five-year deal.
So far, Man United have spent around £83 million on two midfielders. But Michael Carrick wants to strengthen the midfield even more after Manuel Ugarte got a knee injury during Uruguay’s World Cup loss to Spain last month.
Fabrizio Romano shared earlier this week that United are working on signing a third midfielder, with many reports pointing to Roma’s Manu Kone. The 25-year-old, who came on at halftime in France’s semi-final loss to Spain, has been impressive throughout the tournament and is priced at about £51 million.
talkSPORT says Roma has been contacted by several clubs about Kone since France’s World Cup ended, and Man United is one of them. Kone is a powerful defensive midfielder but also great at carrying the ball forward. He had a strong season with 37 appearances and would bring much-needed toughness to Carrick’s midfield.
However, Liverpool are also interested, so United will face some competition. But no matter what, it looks like Kone will leave Roma soon.
If United sign Kone, their spending on midfielders would reach £135 million this summer. After missing out on Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes to rivals, INEOS will be happy to secure several players for much less.
You can also check out how Man Utd might line up next season now that their summer signings are coming together.
Meanwhile, United have paused their interest in Ederson because of concerns over a knee injury he had last season, even though they had agreed on a £38 million fee with Atalanta. It seems less likely they’ll chase the Brazilian now if Kone joins, and Roma seem ready to let Kone go.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini told Rai Radio Uno, “Unlike [Donyell] Malen, Kone was injured for a while but came to the World Cup in better shape. Last year he hadn’t played for France yet but earned a starting spot, showing his real value. Financial Fair Play rules vary by team, and Roma need to balance their books after some tough years. We hoped returning to the Champions League would help, but finances are still key. We expect more clarity in the coming weeks.”
The door is clearly open for United to sign the France international, and given his recent form, £51 million could be a great deal.