£69m release clause: Man Utd monitoring South American “technical powerhouse”
Manchester United are now reportedly monitoring a South American gem who has a release clause worth a hefty £69m.
Amorim warns Man Utd "have to perform" vs Leeds
Attempting to welcome the new year in style, Man United square off against Leeds United in desperate need of bouncing back following a disappointing draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
It was a stark reminder of where the Red Devils find themselves these days and a clear sign of just how far they have to go under Ruben Amorim.
Leeds are unlikely to be pushovers, either. Daniel Farke’s side haven’t suffered a defeat in six games and that run has included two draws against Liverpool as well as a victory over Chelsea. Everything suggests that the Whites will be welcoming Man United with three points in mind.
Amorim, with the chance to win his first derby day against Leeds, told reporters in the build-up: “It’s different. I never experienced this one. In Portugal it’s a big rivalry. Here’s it is the same. Different environment, different culture but the noise is going to be big. We just have to perform.
“But it’s hard to compare different cultures, different derbies, different history, so let’s just focus on the game. It is 11 guys against our 11 in the beginning and we will try to win.”
Of course, it’s not just on the pitch that Man United need results this month. Away from the action, INEOS must also get things right in the transfer market.
To that end, whilst potential midfield reinforcements such as Carlos Baleba will reportedly be taking priority, those at Old Trafford also have their sights set on a South American gem.
Man Utd monitoring £69m Rayan
According to AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, as relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are now monitoring Rayan alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The 19-year-old has burst onto the radar of a number of European stars, but won’t come cheap. Reports have suggested that clubs will have to trigger his €80m (£69m) release clause at Vasco da Gama.
As far as Ben Mattinson is concerned, however, that £69m release clause may be worth triggering. The Como scout spoke highly of the forward last January, dubbing him a “technical powerhouse”.
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Since then, Rayan has scored 20 goals in 57 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign in Brazil and very much looks destined to take the leap towards European football.
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So many Premier League sides have welcomed young South American stars with great success in the past and United may well follow suit in the near future.