Daily Mail reports that 17-year-old Geovany Quenda could be Ruben Amorim’s first recruit for Manchester United in January or possibly next summer. However, a potential deal could become complicated as the youngster’s release clause is £84m. The Red Devils' limited transfer budget allocated for Amorim could be a significant blow to make a move as big as this.
The Red Devils had already approached the Portuguese giants about the possibility of signing Quenda even before his former manager Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford. The Portugal U21 international is wanted by almost half of Europe’s big clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Thus, United want to make a deal happen as soon as possible, with a summer transfer seen as the most likely scenario. Budgetary restrictions placed on the club could hinder the transfer, as new owners, INEOS, feel too much money has already been wasted, especially during Erik ten Hag's reign.
Quenda made 33 appearances for Sporting last season, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists at just 16. He is widely considered alongside talented youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona. He recently signed a contract extension up to 2027, which deservedly saw his release clause rise from £38m to £84m. United could face financial difficulties and competition from other big clubs to pull this move. Still, the youngster would be fascinated by the chance to play at Old Trafford, reuniting with his former boss.
Ben Chilwell and Angelo Carreras Options for left-back
Manchester United are also expected to pursue a new left-back signing in the January transfer window. The position has been a grave concern for the Red Devils, as Luke Shaw and Tyler Malacia have been plagued with injuries.
Malacia has been out for more than 500 days now but is nearing returning to the senior team after as he's back to first-team training. Luke Shaw, when fit, is probably the best left back in the league, but his injury concerns have held him back for most of his career. United has still shown immense trust in the England International and has persisted in hoping his fitness can improve.
Amorim seemingly thinks otherwise, as he’s reportedly eyeing a left-back in the January window. CaughtOffside suggests that Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras are shortlisted in the search for a left-back. The reason is that Newcastle United are also in the running for Quenda.
The new Red Devils head coach isn't content with Shaw and Malacia's fitness levels, so he has given the club the two aforementioned names. Any one of Carreras and Chilwell could be United’s first winter signing.
To help finance the Portuguese’s intentions to reassemble a team that primarily contains players that Ten Hag bought, there may also be departures so that the transfer budget could improve. Chilwell is a player who has already been injury-driven throughout his career. Still, the 39-year-old sees him as a potential starter because his teams play with wingbacks. Chilwell brilliantly operated as a left wing-back under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, who won the Champions League trophy in 2021.
Amorim also has his sights set on United's former academy graduate Carreras as a player he'd want to incorporate in his new squad. After his transfer from Old Trafford to Benfica, the youngster has shone in Portugal and has attracted interest from various big clubs, including Liverpool so the Red Devils might need to act fast.
Following a loan stint in the second part of the previous season, the 21-year-old joined Benfica permanently in the summer and is thriving in Lisbon. The youngster's departure did not go well with the United fans as they felt the kid had too much potential to be let go. However, Carrera's contract has a £17 million buy-back clause, and United is still watching his progress before triggering it. Long window ahead for Amorim.