The summer transfer window is beginning to heat up in Manchester. Signals from Old Trafford indicate that the board are already moving with determination, anticipating possible changes of key players. One of the most worrying names is that of Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese could leave England to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, a rumour that is gaining momentum. This uncertainty has forced United to look north to Spain. In San Mames, one player has caught the eye of English scouts: Oihan Sancet, Athletic Club’s playmaker, appears to be a serious alternative.
According to Fichajes, the English club are considering signing him if the captain’s departure is completed. The United board believes that Sancet fits the attacking profile they need to fill the void; it is not only because of his numbers. The midfielder has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 33 games. His mobility between the lines, his ability to link up and to read the opposition’s game plan have been key to the Bilbao’s campaign and that has also attracted the attention of the Red Devils.
Despite suffering some injuries, his weight in Valverde’s tactics was maintained. The midfielder was renewed until 2032, a gesture that speaks of commitment. However, that has not deterred United, as they value his maturity, his development and his ability to adapt to a more demanding environment.
Athletic, for their part, will not make it easy; they do not intend to negotiate. The club demand the full payment of the clause: €80 million. In Manchester, they know that there is no room for lower offers, but the interest has not yet disappeared. Amorim, who arrived with the promise of revolutionising the playing style of the Red Devils, is already looking at potential signings.
If United decide to move for Sancet, it would not be an absurd gamble. He has the qualities to fit in well under Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who has been using a 3-4-2-1 tactical formation, needs a playmaker who can offer solutions between the lines and link up with the striker. There, Sancet could play as one of the two midfielders behind the ‘9’. He is a finisher, understands the tempo and knows when to risk the pass.
In addition, Bilbao player has the physicality to press after a loss of possession and gain control in tight spaces. Amorim demands no frills: he wants efficiency, precision and commitment. Sancet has shown all those qualities in Bilbao. If Fernandes leaves, the team will lose leadership and vision. But with Sancet, they could gain youth, freshness and a different way of interpreting attacking play.
But paying €80 million for a player who has never left Spain is a risk. United cannot afford another miscalculated expense. Sancet is talented, but he has yet to prove himself outside of Valverde’s club. If he doesn’t adapt quickly to the Premier League, the team could suffer.
Still, if Amorim gives the go-ahead, the club should take a gamble; the coach is clear about what he wants, and if he sees Sancet as a viable piece, it’s worth the risk. The key will not only be to sign him, but to integrate him well. In the right environment, the Navarrese could grow further, and in the long term, he could become an important player for the new project at Old Trafford.
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