Manchester United cleared for Dimitri Payet move
Manchester United have no competition for Payet
Manchester United have been strangely during this January transfer window. Circumstances now present Jose Mourinho’s club with the chance to make an unchallenged run at signing West Ham attacker Dimitri Payet.
When the Frenchman originally went on strike at West Ham, his representatives claimed he would only accept a move back “home” to Marseille. Unfortunately for Payet, his destination of choice has dropped out of the bidding for his services. English reports claim that Marseille simply weren’t willing to meet the Hammers’ £30 million asking price.
That leaves Payet and West Ham in a very awkward position. Neither really wants to see him play for Slaven Bilic again. Unfortunately for the Hammers, there doesn’t seem to be a real market for Payet’s services.
The lack of suitors for Payet is pretty explainable. He quit on West Ham and potential buyers have to be wary that he could unsettle their dressing rooms as well. In short, his negative attitude likely outweighs his on-field talents in the evaluations of many clubs.
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This leaves Manchester United with a pretty unique opportunity. They can acquire a true world-class attacking midfielder for just £30 million. That’s far below market rate for a player of Payet’s talent. Throw in the fact that he has proven his ability to play in the Premier League and his transfer fee seems like an even bigger bargain.
United also have an opening in attack thanks to the departure of Memphis Depay. Payet may not be a perfect like-for-like replacement for the speedy Dutchman, but he can play in any of Mourinho’s attacking positions. In fact, he could be just the player to step into Mourinho’s number ten role to truly unlock the rest of the Red Devils’ talented attack.
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Moving for Dimitri Payet isn’t without risk, but it’s time for Manchester United to be bold. Besides, if it doesn’t work out, all it’s cost the Premier League giants is money. Fortune favors the bold. Will United take one of January’s biggest risks?