Manchester United have tabled a €20 million offer for Ilaix Moriba, who could be set to leave Barcelona after rejecting their contract offer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ilaix Moriba is facing an uncertain future at FC Barcelona after refusing to sign a new contract with them. Manchester United are interested in signing the 18-year-old contract rebel, with an offer worth €20 million already being tabled to be considered by the Blaugrana.
Ilaix Moriba started out at Espanyol before joining Barcelona’s famed academy La Masia in 2010. The youngster subsequently made swift progress within the Catalan giants’ youth setup before breaking into the first-team setup last season. 2020/21 indeed proved to be the breakthrough campaign for the 18-year-old, who made 18 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona.
However, ahead of the 2021/22 season, Moriba’s future at Barcelona is as uncertain as it has ever been. The teenage prospect is refusing to sign a new contract with the Blaugrana unless they meet his demands. With his current deal running out in a little under a year, the youngster now appears set to depart Camp Nou, with Manchester United showing an interest in him.
The interest from Manchester United is understandable, as they are in the market for a midfield reinforcement. The Red Devils are also in a precarious situation over the future of Paul Pogba, which has prompted them to seriously consider a move for 18-year-old French prodigy Eduardo Camavinga.
However, with Chelsea emerging as the latest suitor in pursuit of Camavinga, it will be prudent for Manchester United to keep their options open. To that end, the Premier League heavyweights have now turned their attention towards Barcelona, with Ilaix Moriba emerging as a viable target.
In fact, Manchester United have almost instantly stepped up their efforts to sign the 18-year-old, with a €20 million being submitted to Barcelona. While the Catalan outfit consider the bid to be a little underwhelming, they might have no option but to accept it or risk losing him for free next summer.
For now, Moriba has been relegated back to Barcelona B after failing to budge on his demands. As far as Manchester United are concerned, in addition to lodging the €20 million bid, they have also offered Moriba the €3 million-a-year contract he wants. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if they can land the teenage prospect this summer or are forced to raise their offer.
