Manchester United’s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s prodigious talent Geovany Quenda has taken a significant turn, with recent developments suggesting the Red Devils are in pole position to secure the youngster’s signature this summer.
The Old Trafford outfit’s interest in Quenda has been simmering since last autumn, with initial reports of contact between the club and the player’s representatives emerging in November. As the season progressed, the rumour mill continued to churn, with respected journalist David Ornstein lending credence to the speculation by confirming United’s concrete interest and revealing that a potential €40 million deal was being explored.
Quenda’s United Ambitions
While United’s admiration for the versatile wing-back has been well-documented, the player’s stance on a potential move to Manchester remained shrouded in mystery. However, recent revelations have shed light on Quenda’s perspective, with sources close to the situation indicating that the teenage sensation is indeed keen on donning the famous red shirt.
The allure of reuniting with former mentor Ruben Amorim appears to be a pivotal factor in Quenda’s thinking. The Portuguese tactician, who has been at the helm of United since his appointment in November, previously worked with Quenda at Sporting Lisbon and is said to hold the youngster in high regard.
Amorim’s Influence
Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford is reportedly a “big driver” behind the potential deal. The manager’s familiarity with Quenda’s abilities and the prospect of continuing their successful working relationship could prove instrumental in bringing the transfer to fruition.
The possibility of Quenda linking up with recent United acquisition Patrick Dorgu has also been mooted, suggesting that Amorim is meticulously crafting a squad capable of implementing his tactical vision.
Youth Coach’s Endorsement
Further bolstering Quenda’s credentials is the glowing endorsement from his youth coach, Bernardo Bruschy. Speaking to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Bruschy expressed his confidence in Quenda’s ability to thrive at a club of United’s stature:
“Seeing his name being associated with clubs of the biggest size in Europe surprises me just because it is so early, I am not surprised if he gets there.”
Bruschy went on to laud Quenda’s maturity and on-pitch performances, stating:
“Sometimes we forget that Quenda is only 17 years old. His maturity, his quality and the performance he can already give to the team, even though he is so young, are something out of the ordinary.”
Transfer Strategy
United’s pursuit of Quenda aligns with the club’s broader transfer strategy under the new INEOS ownership. The Red Devils have adopted a more ruthless approach to both incoming and outgoing transfers, focusing on young, high-potential players who represent good value for money.
This shift in strategy was evident in the January window, with the acquisitions of Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu exemplifying the club’s new direction. The potential addition of Quenda would further underscore this commitment to building for the future.
Sporting Connections
Amorim’s Sporting connections appear to be bearing fruit beyond just Quenda. Reports suggest that United are also exploring the possibility of signing Viktor Gyokeres, another standout performer from the Portuguese club.
Looking Ahead
As the summer transfer window approaches, United fans will be eagerly anticipating news of Quenda’s potential arrival. After a relatively quiet January period, the addition of a talent like Quenda could provide a significant boost to the squad’s depth in both wide and full-back positions.
With Amorim at the helm and a clear transfer strategy in place, Manchester United seem poised to make strategic moves in the market. The potential acquisition of Geovany Quenda could prove to be a masterstroke, bringing youthful exuberance and tactical versatility to a squad in need of reinforcement.
As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if the Red Devils can secure the signature of one of European football’s most promising young talents.
