Manchester United are reportedly scouting SC Braga defender David Carmo as they look to strengthen their backline in the summer window.
According to Portuguese publication Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, SC Braga’s towering centre-back David Carmo is garnering a lot of attention ahead of the summer transfer window. Premier League giants Manchester United are among the clubs scouting the 22-year-old defender.
Carmo has been with SC Braga since 2015 when he joined the club’s youth setup from AD Sanjoanense. He rose through the ranks quite rapidly and made his senior debut in 2020 at the age of 20 years. Since then, the Portuguese youngster has made 54 appearances for the club, having been somewhat hampered by injury problems.
Indeed, Carmo, who stands at an imposing 1.96m, missed the entire first half of the ongoing season due to an ankle fracture. He returned to action only in February, making just 14 senior appearances this term, in which he has netted one goal.
Despite his absence for the majority of the season, Carmo’s stock has not taken a hit as several clubs continue to hold a strong interest in him. Teams in Italy and Spain have been watching the defender closely, while he has also been linked with Premier League giants Liverpool in the past.
Now, Manchester United have also entered the race for Carmo and have had scouts watching the defender in action as they look to add more solidity to their defensive unit. Most recently, the Red Devils’ scouts were in attendance to keep tabs on the 22-year-old when Braga played FC Porto, which the former won 1-0.
Manchester United have been all over the place defensively this season. Raphael Varane’s debut season in England has been marred by injuries and fitness problems, while Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have been all over the place. With Eric Bailly likely to be on his way out in the summer, along with Phil Jones, a new centre-back is a must for the 20-time English champions.
Pau Torres has been on the radars of Manchester United but could cost around €60 million. Someone like Carmo could thus be a cheaper alternative for the Spanish international. Like Torres, the SC Braga is also a ball-playing, left-footed centre-back and is three years younger than him. In addition, Carmo has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract, which can be triggered to sign him.
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Having had a torrid injury, Carmo has returned strongly, displaying maturity and mental fortitude. And it will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to act on their interest in the Portuguese star or look at other options.
