BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 14: Dani Olmo of Spain with his winner medal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final … [+]
Manchester United has been busy this summer. The Old Trafford club has already completed deals for Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee with Manuel Ugarte another played believed to be on United’s radar. Most recently, Dani Olmo has been mentioned as a potential target after an eye-catching Euro 2024 for eventual winners Spain.
Olmo wasn’t meant to be a first team figure for Spain, but the injury suffered by Pedri opened the door for the RB Leipzig midfielder to nail down a starting spot. Olmo made the most of that opportunity by scoring three goals as Spain went on to lift the European Championship trophy this summer.
Of course, Olmo was already known for being a top level attacking midfielder in the Bundesliga, but his performances for Spain at Euro 2024 highlighted his readiness for the next step in his club career. According to recent reports in Spain this week, Manchester United could offer this to the 26-year-old.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – APRIL 27: Dani Olmo of RB Leipzig controls the ball during the Bundesliga match … [+]
As long as United lacks a world class centre forward, Olmo would bring some valuable goal threat with his late runs into the opposition area. This was key for Spain at Euro 2024 and it’s not difficult to envisage Olmo making runs beyond the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee to get himself into dangerous positions in the final third.
A Manchester United move for Olmo could hinge on the future of Bruno Fernandes. While the Portuguese midfielder has been a rare consistent performer for United over the last few seasons, interest from the Saudi Pro League could make this the perfect time to cash in. After all, Fernandes will turn 30 in September.
Reports claim there is a €60m release clause in Olmo’s contract at RB Leipzig. This represents something of a bargain in the current transfer market with the 26-year-old entering his peak years as a professional. He is also proven at the top level and would fit in well at a big club like Manchester United.
Bruno Fernandes #8 of Manchester United is in action during the FA Cup Final between Manchester City … [+]
It’s feasible that United could reinvest money from the sale of Fernandes in Olmo and the addition of another central midfielder such as Ugarte who, according to reports, would likely cost around €40m. Would Erik ten Hag be better equipped with two news midfielders in his squad over the ageing Fernandes?
United is at an interesting point in its recent history following the arrival of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as new minority owners. There is renewed ambition at Old Trafford and this is reflected in the business that has been done so far this summer. There is more work to be done, though, and Olmo would be a shrewd addition.
