Amid intense competition, Manchester United is under pressure to act swiftly to secure the signing of Santos’ young striker, Marcos Leonardo. Leonardo’s impressive performance in 2023, scoring 13 goals in 31 Brazilian Série A appearances and three in the Copa do Brasil, has put him on the radar of several European clubs.

Despite his efforts, Santos faced relegation for the first time in their history. This situation has seemingly influenced Leonardo’s future, with his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, indicating his readiness to transition to European football. Pimenta mentioned that while there was a possibility of a transfer earlier, the timing is now ideal for Leonardo to seek new opportunities in Europe. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Santos, acknowledging their position, has reportedly lowered their asking price for Leonardo from the original €100 million release clause to a more accessible €18 million. This adjustment has potentially increased the striker’s appeal to interested clubs.

Manchester United, as reported by The Peoples Person, had shown interest in Leonardo last summer. However, with recent developments, they are not the only ones vying for the young talent. AS Roma and Benfica are also reportedly in the hunt, with the Portuguese newspaper Record revealing that Benfica is preparing an official offer for Leonardo.

Given this competitive scenario, United must act quickly if they are to secure Leonardo’s services, especially considering the reported bargain price. However, United’s attention might be divided, as they are also reportedly interested in players like Paulo Dybala.

The situation presents a strategic challenge for Manchester United, balancing their current squad needs with the opportunity to invest in a promising young talent like Marcos Leonardo. As the January transfer window opens, the club’s decision-making and agility in the transfer market will be under close scrutiny. 

Leonardo’s potential move could significantly impact both his career trajectory and the future composition of the team that secures his services. For Manchester United, securing a player of Leonardo’s caliber could be a substantial boost, offering fresh attacking options and a long-term investment in their forward line. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.