Manchester United and Real Madrid are reportedly both locked in an intense transfer battle to land SL Benfica prodigy Umaro Embalo.
Portuguese publication Record are claiming that SL Benfica’s latest prodigy Umaro Embalo is the subject of interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. The player, who is still a part of the club’s youth squad, has been the subject of offers from both the clubs as they aim to land the exciting young prospect.
Manchester United’s interest in Benfica stars is nothing new. The Red Devils were linked perennially to Victor Lindelof while there were reports of the two clubs reaching an agreement for the transfer of Nelson Semedo to Manchester in the summer.
And while the Red Devils are thought to retain interest in the duo, another player has arrived on their radar – one that goes by the name of Umaro Embalo. The 16-year-old is another gem produced by the academy setup at Benfica and is currently plying his trade for the club’s Under-17 side.
?? Record: MUFC offer €6m & Real Madrid €8m for Benfica’s 16yr old winger Úmaro Embaló. Club have no intention to sell yet. pic.twitter.com/hnxzjMMGmJ
— M•A•J (@UltraSuristic_) May 16, 2017
Embalo is eligible to represent either of Portugal and Guinea-Bissau but has chosen, so far, to represent the former, blazing through the youth groups for the Seleccao. The prodigious talent has a return of 12 goals in 15 games for the Under-17 Portuguese National Team – staggering numbers that highlight just how good Embalo is.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are both always on the lookout for gems from various regions – including their own. And this time, their search has brought them to a common stop.
As per the report, it was Manchester United who made the first move, tabling a €6 million offer to Benfica for the player, an amount that was surpassed by Los Blancos as they offered €8 million to land Embalo – both of which were swiftly rejected by Benfica.
The club is well aware of the talent the 16-year-old possesses and are not keen on parting with the player just yet. However, due to the interest being shown, Benfica are having trouble negotiating the professional contract for Embalo and his agent, Catia Balde.
The report also states that the player himself may have his head turned by the prospect of moving to a club of the stature of United or Real Madrid.
It will be interesting to see if a move culminates or not. But, the player’s future looks bright and the interest of two of the most high-profile clubs in the world is sure to vindicate his talent even further.
Who knows, the winger-cum-forward might just be the next Portuguese sensation to grace the footballing world.
