With the domestic season now completed, transfer stories can now take centre stage in world football. At least for the next few weeks before the World Cup in Russia, anyway. Manchester United’s business during the summer is always of paramount interest to millions of the club’s fans around the world, in terms of both incomings and outgoings. And when the subject is an exciting attacking talent with a gigantic fee involved, expect that interest to go into overdrive.
The Sun are reporting that United are prepared to do business with Bayern Munich over the transfer of Douglas Costa. The Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at reigning Serie A champions Juventus would cost a whopping £79m according to their story, and it comes laced with a significant caveat; the Italian side are expected to complete a deal for Costa themselves, having paid £7m up front for the loan with a further £33m required to make the transfer permanent. Still, should the Old Lady waver, it appears as if United would be prepared to meet the German giants’ gigantic fee.
Quite how such a move would be accepted by the club and its fans is anyone’s guess. The arrival of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez last January limited chances for both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the following months, with the Frenchman a peripheral figure ever since. Both are highly regarded by the club and beloved by the fans, and Costa’s arrival will surely spell the end at least one United career should this gargantuan deal occur. Given Martial and Rashford’s clear talent, one almost hopes that the Bianconeri take up that option and remove all doubt from the situation.
Having said that, should Mourinho feel the need to strengthen his attack further, and with the club willing to back their manager with the funds to strengthen his side, there’s no denying that this transfer wouldn’t hold some appeal, should it come to fruition.
