Racing Club officially sign Jorge Salinas replacement

Manchester United’s hunt for a new left-back has taken in a long list of names across Europe this summer.

Michael Carrick’s side were left frustrated after Newcastle flatly rejected their interest in Lewis Hall, a setback that forced the club to widen its search considerably.

Alejandro Balde, David Raum and Ferdi Kadioglu have all been credited with United interest since, alongside a growing appreciation that Luke Shaw simply cannot be relied upon as the club’s only senior option in that position.

Racing Club’s Jorge Salinas had also emerged as a serious candidate for United earlier in the window, though his situation now looks set to be resolved elsewhere, with Atletico Madrid the club most strongly linked to his signature.

Away from United’s own pursuit, one further left-back has completed a move that has no connection to Old Trafford at all.

Racing Santander and Genoa have reached an agreement for the transfer of Aaron Martin, who leaves the Italian club after 91 Serie A appearances, as they announced on their website.

The 29-year-old, who also boasts 116 Bundesliga appearances from his time at Mainz and 81 in LaLiga through spells at Espanyol and Celta Vigo, has signed a contract keeping him at Racing until June 2027, with the option of a further extension.

Martin arrived at Genoa on a free transfer in 2023 following his release from Mainz, and quickly established himself as a regular under Alberto Gilardino, chipping in with nine assists across his first two seasons in Serie A.

Last season proved to be his most productive yet in front of goal too, contributing a goal and five assists in the league as Genoa fought to retain their top-flight status.

Roma and Lazio had both previously explored moves for the Spaniard domestically, viewing him as reliable squad depth given his experience across three different European leagues.

With his Genoa contract having been due to expire and only an option for a further year at the club’s discretion, a fresh start elsewhere always looked the most likely outcome once speculation began building over the summer.

United’s own search for a left-back, meanwhile, remains centred on Jorge Salinas rival suitors and Balde’s ongoing situation at Barcelona.

Salinas’ emergence as an Atletico target represents a blow to Carrick’s plans, having been considered a genuine option earlier in the window before Diego Simeone’s side moved into contention.

Shaw’s exposed display against Ipswich last time out has only added further urgency to United finding a genuine alternative before too long, regardless of which direction the market ultimately takes.