Manchester United have entered the race to sign promising Spanish left-back Jorge Salinas, Barcelona’s leading target for the position, in a move that could disrupt the Catalan club’s plans to recruit the 19-year-old Cantabrian defender.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, United have identified Salinas as an alternative option for the left side of their defence after negotiations for Newcastle United’s 21-year-old defender Lewis Hall stalled. Newcastle are unwilling to sell Hall to United, whom they regard as a direct rival in the Premier League.
The change in the market has opened the door for United to make a strong move for Salinas, who had already attracted interest from both Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid in recent weeks.
United increase their interest
Barcelona have not abandoned their pursuit of Salinas, despite sporting director Deco concentrating much of his attention on strengthening the attack. That area of the squad has been weakened by the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford, while Ferran Torres could also move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Left-back remains another key position that Barcelona need to reinforce before the summer transfer window closes. A deal for Joao Cancelo is close to completion, but progress on the transfer of the Cantabrian defender has slowed considerably in recent weeks.
That delay has allowed Manchester United to become a serious contender for a player Barcelona had viewed as their preferred solution at left-back.
United monitored Salinas closely during the European Under-19 Championship in Wales in July, where Spain won the continental title after an impressive campaign. The teenager’s performances strengthened the club’s belief that he could step directly into first-team football.
United’s board are said to be highly impressed by Salinas and believe he would be capable of competing immediately for a starting place with England left-back Luke Shaw. Shaw’s recent seasons have been affected by recurring injuries, which have also had an impact on his form.
Several English media outlets have reported that United manager Michael Carrick has already given his approval to the signing, provided the club cannot reach a final agreement with Newcastle for Hall.
Financial advantage for United
The major difference between the two clubs’ financial positions could prove decisive. Unlike Barcelona, who are dealing with severe financial difficulties, United are prepared to pay the full release clause in Salinas’ contract.
That clause is worth 16m euros, and United would be willing to activate it without negotiating or delaying the payment.
Barcelona’s proposal is considerably lower. The Catalan club can offer a maximum of 8m euros, made up of 6m euros in fixed payments and a further 2m euros in performance-related bonuses. They are also prepared to offer young players on loan to Racing Santander in an attempt to reduce the overall cost of the deal and make negotiations easier.
The difference between the two offers gives United a clear financial advantage. If the English club formally triggers the release clause, Racing Santander would be obliged to accept the bid without entering into further negotiations.
Salinas still favours Barcelona
Barcelona retain one important advantage: Salinas himself reportedly dreams of wearing the club’s blue and red shirt next season. The defender prefers a move to Camp Nou over any other destination, including Manchester United.
However, that preference may not be enough if United decide to activate the release clause. Salinas could then face a difficult choice between his ambition to join Barcelona and the substantial financial opportunity offered by a move to the Premier League.
For now, Barcelona’s pursuit remains alive, but their limited offer has allowed United to make the more powerful proposal and put the youngster’s prospective transfer in fresh doubt.
