Manchester United are ready to trigger the release clause of Villarreal midfield mainstay Pape Gueye in the upcoming transfer window.
Manchester United are looking to rebuild their midfield ahead of next season, and they have identified Villarreal’s Pape Gueye as a priority target. According to a report from Fichajes, the Red Devils are willing to trigger his €45 million release clause to bring him to Old Trafford.
Villarreal will be reluctant to let go of one of their most important players, but they are unlikely to have a choice, as Manchester United seem prepared to go the distance for the Senegalese international.
Pape Gueye joined the Spanish outfit in the summer of 2024 from Marseille on a free transfer. He has gone on to establish himself as a very valuable member of their squad with his consistent performances.
While the experienced midfielder prefers playing as a number eight, he is quite effective in the holding role and can even feature out wide on the flanks. In the ongoing campaign, he has been involved in 33 games and has even contributed towards six goals.
Gueye would still have two years left on his deal in the summer, but it seems he is set to make the move to the Premier League, amidst interest from Manchester United. With Casemiro leaving after the 2025/26 season and Manuel Ugarte likely to be sold, the Red Devils want to revamp their midfield.
Manchester United plot a raid on Villarreal
Manchester United are likely to sign multiple midfielders, but as per the report, Gueye is going to be a top priority for them. He has a strong physical presence, great ball-winning ability and tactical intelligence. The 27-year-old is a complete midfielder in simple terms, and United are desperate to have one in their ranks. They are ready to make a significant effort to land him.
Villarreal have no intentions of negotiating his departure, and if any suitors come forward, the Yellow Submarine would point towards his €45 million release clause. For a Premier League outfit, the clause is quite manageable, and it seems Manchester United have decided to trigger it.
Since they do not need to negotiate with the Yellow Submarine, the Red Devils will focus on convincing the player to make the move to Old Trafford and become an important part of their new project.