Man Utd transfer news: Jordi Alba to join Fred at Old Trafford?
Jose Mourinho targets Barcelona left-back Alba and Fred’s move is confirmed
Alba to Old Trafford?
Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs vying to sign Jordi Alba from Barcelona, reports The Sun.
The 29-year-old left back has two years left on his contract with the Spanish giants but is believed to be frustrated by Barca’s reluctance to discuss a new deal.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
That news has got United, Tottenham and Chelsea sniffing round, and Spanish publication AS claims there is “a realistic possibility” Alba could be sold providing his £55m release clause is met.
Alba is currently with the Spanish national team at the Fifa World Cup in Russia. He has played in both of Spain’s group B matches so far.
Fred deal is sealed
Brazil midfielder Fred has agreed terms with United, becoming their second signing of the summer.
According to Sky Sports, he arrives from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year deal in what the broadcaster claims is a transfer “in the region of £52m plus bonuses… [which] could take the deal to around £61.2m”. If true, Fred will be United’s third most expensive signing ever, behind Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.
United had been waiting on Fred to get a work permit, but the paperwork has now been completed and he will head to Old Trafford following the World Cup.
“Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities, which we need. Hhis creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game,” said United boss Jose Mourinho.
The player himself said: “This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team. To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Thanks but no thanks
Inter defender Milan Skriniar has confirmed that Mourinho has been courting him but says he intends to spurn the advances of the United gaffer, Goal.com reports.
It’s an open secret that Mourinho is in the market for defenders and according to Skriniar, he’s on the Special One’s summer shopping list. But in an interview for the Slovakian football federation’s official website, the 23-year-old made it clear that he’s not interested in moving to Old Trafford.
“Manchester United? I heard from them and it made me proud,” he said. “But I’m even happier that Inter decided to reject it and that they believe so much in me.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?
Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 3, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published