Manchester United are edging closer to securing a pre-agreement for Sporting CP’s prodigious talent, Geovany Quenda, despite ongoing negotiations over the player’s valuation. The 17-year-old wing-back has been turning heads across Europe with his scintillating performances in Portugal’s top flight.
Quenda, who burst onto the scene under the tutelage of current United manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting, has been drawing comparisons to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka for his electrifying dribbling ability and impressive physical attributes. The youngster’s impact has been immediate, notching two goals and five assists this season, showcasing his attacking prowess even from a defensive position.
Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford in November has only intensified United’s pursuit of Quenda. The Portuguese tactician is reportedly keen to reunite with his former protégé, viewing him as the ideal candidate to revolutionise United’s right flank.
While Quenda’s current contract, signed in September, includes a hefty £83 million release clause, there’s a growing consensus that Sporting will entertain offers below this figure. United’s initial valuation of around £33 million falls short of Sporting’s expectations, with the Lisbon club reportedly seeking a fee “closer to the £50 million mark”.
Despite this disparity, negotiations are progressing positively. Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport reports that “talks are progressing to see whether something can be pre-agreed ahead of the summer.” He adds that Quenda is “certainly keen on a move” to Old Trafford, which could prove crucial in bridging the valuation gap.
United’s pursuit of Quenda signifies a shift in the club’s transfer strategy, focusing on acquiring elite young talent with high potential. This approach aligns with the need to inject pace and power into a squad that has been criticised for lacking these attributes in recent seasons.
The Portuguese wonderkid is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects to emerge from his country’s youth system in recent years. His potential acquisition represents not just a coup for United, but a statement of intent as they look to rebuild under Amorim’s guidance.
As negotiations continue, United fans will be eagerly anticipating news of a breakthrough. The prospect of seeing Quenda marauding down the right flank at Old Trafford is an enticing one, and could mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the Red Devils.
