Manchester United are eyeing a move for Valencia attacker Goncalo Guedes, with Juan Mata likely to head the other way around.
According to El Gol Digital, Manchester United are prepared to sacrifice Juan Mata in an attempt to sign Goncalo Guedes. The Valencia forward has emerged as the latest target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as he looks to bolster his attacking options after finishing second behind Manchester City last season.
In addition to offering Mata, Manchester United are also willing to fork out €20 million. The deal appeals to Valencia, who were hoping to offload Guedes either way, following the attacker’s mixed performances since joining the club in the summer of 2017.
In fact, Guedes is Valencia’s record transfer when his move from PSG was made permanent in 2018, for an astounding fee of €40 million. Unfortunately, the gamble didn’t really pay off for Los Che, with the Portuguese international often struggling with consistency in his performances.
During his four years at the club, the former Benfica prodigy has made 136 competitive appearances for Valencia, scoring 23 goals. His 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, in particular, were far from impressive, as the forward was collectively involved in just 12 league goals during that time.
That said, Guedes’ valuation has increased recently due to his performances last season. He was involved in 11 league goals, emerging as one of the bright spots in an otherwise dire campaign for Los Che. His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed either, with Manchester United now prepared to snap him up.
It is no secret that Solskjaer is keen on adding more quality in his attacking department. The Red Devils have already brought in Borussia Dortmund super talent Jadon Sancho earlier this summer, much to the delight of club legend Wayne Rooney.
But in Guedes, they will find themselves another versatile forward who can emerge as an ideal replacement for Anthony Martial. The dynamic Frenchman has been linked with a move to Juventus, with the club also open to offloading the attacker.
United’s decision to include Juan Mata in the deal is hardly surprising either. The playmaker’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of next season. And at the age of just 33, he is unlikely to play a key role going forward, especially with Bruno Fernandes becoming an indispensable member of Solskjaer’s creative unit.
Therefore, trading the Spaniard for Guedes could be a smart move, although the deal is likely to appease Valencia even more. Mata had played for the Andalusians for four years before arriving in England. His experience in the Premier League should certainly be a huge help as the club looks to restore its lost glory in the upcoming season.
