Premier League giants Manchester United are reportedly trying to beat Barcelona to securing the signature of RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano.
According to a report in TransferMarketWeb, Manchester United are trying to hijack Barcelona’s move for the 19-year-old. Upamecano, who rose to prominence after joining RB Leipzig in 2017, is also being monitored by other European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
Over the course of the past year, Upamecano has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the world thanks to his robust performances at the heart of the Leipzig defence. The Frenchman was an integral part of France’s 2015 European U-17 winning team and was also named in the team of the tournament.
He spent his formative years developing his game with French sides Evreux FC and then Valenciennes FC, before earning a move to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2015. He spent a a majority of the season with FC Liefering on loan, making 16 appearances for them that term.
His performances were enough for Salzburg to bring Upamecano back the following season, where he helped Die Roten Bullen finish atop the Austrian Bundesliga with a massive 19 points margin. Those performances convinced Leipzig to make a move for him in January of 2017 and he cost them a mere €10 million.
That would prove to be a great investment, as he has since blossomed into a fine centre-back. His ever improving speed, ability on the ball and physical prowess have been on full display in the Bundesliga, where he helped the East Germans finish second last season.
Barcelona could do wonders with a player of his quality in their ranks. He is just young enough for them to be able to mould into the kind of player that suits their philosophy. With Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen on the wrong side of 30, the Blaugrana need to start planning for the future.
Their only two other centre-backs, Samuel Umtiti and Yerry Mina are 24 and 23 respectively and Upamecano would be a great addition to their ranks. Given his undeniable ability with the ball at his feet, he shouldn’t find it too hard to fit into Barcelona’s style and could also give the other 4 some good competition.
Manchester United, who have had their fair share of troubles in defence this season could also do with a player of his quality. Given his attributes, mainly his composure and eye for a pass, he would waste no time adapting to the strenuous demands of the English top flight.
With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling increasingly likely to depart in the summer and Victor Lindelof failing to live up to his €45 million price tag, it comes as no surprise that Jose Mourinho & co. would be looking for new recruits and given his age, Upamecano would be a fantastic long-term acquisition.
He is expected to cost any potential suitors a reported €55 million, a price both Barcelona and Manchester United wouldn’t think twice about parting with, neither would their competition i.e, PSG and AC Milan. It will be interesting to see which side are able win the race for securing a player, who if developed properly, is destined for world class status.