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Featured Photo Caption:Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.© PA Images.
Man Utd are ‘willing to offer’ €150m to sign Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr, and the Red Devils have already ‘reserved the number seven’ shirt for the troubled Brazilian, per a report.
Man Utd’s top priority this summer is understood to be signing an elite-level centre-forward. On that front, Harry Kane is believed to be Erik ten Hag’s primary target, with Victor Osimhen of Napoli not far behind.
As such, it comes as something of a shock to see reports in Spain tip Man Utd for both a club-record and Premier League-record move for winger Vinicius Jr. However, when digging deeper the move would make sense.
Indeed, Marcus Rashford is closing in on a new contract and is equally adept at playing up front as he is on the left wing.
Vinicius’ customary position is the left wing, meaning his arrival could see Ten Hag abandon his striker chase and instead install Rashford as his starting striker, with Vinicius taking up the wing role.
Prising Vinicius out of Madrid would ordinarily be an impossible task. However, amid a series of sickening race-related incidents, news from Spain suggests Vinicius is ready to turn his back on Real and move to a country where he’ll be free from abuse.
Via Goal, it’s reported all three of Man Utd, Chelsea and PSG are exploring a move for the 22-year-old superstar. Per the report, the trio are all ‘willing to offer 150 million euros’ (approx. £130m) for Vinicius Jr.
Such a sum would not only break Man Utd’s transfer record, but also smash the Premier League record too. United’s current mark remains the £89.3m paid to sign Paul Pogba in 2016. The EPL record is Chelsea’s £106.8m purchase of Enzo Fernandez in January.
Contract situation key; Man Utd reserve No 7 shirt
Adding fuel to the Vinicius exit fire is the fact his current contract at the Bernabeu only has one more year left to run.
Fabrizio Romano had reported a new deal that’ll extend the Brazilian’s stay until 2027 was in the works. However, it’s now suggested the continued racist abuse he suffers may embolden Vinicius to break off talks and push for a move away.
If Vinicius opts against penning fresh terms, Real Madrid would be forced into selling this summer or run the risk of losing an incredibly valuable asset for nothing at the end of next season.
Man Utd have a recent track record of signing Real Madrid players, most notably with Raphael Varane and Casemiro.
The latter in particular has been a roaring success at Old Trafford and it stands to reason he may be able to play a part in luring his fellow countryman to England.
What’s more, it’s also noted Man Utd have ‘reserved’ the club’s iconic No 7 shirt for Vinicius who they ‘hope will be the one to inherit it’.
Ronaldo was the last United player to wear the No 7 earlier this season before leaving under a cloud for Saudi Arabian side, Al Nassr.
The seven shirt has been worn by numerous club legends including George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo during both of his stints at the club.
If the Spanish report is accurate, Vinicius Jr. may be next in line to don that historic shirt at Old Trafford.
Source:Team Talk