Manchester United to make a move for Atletico Madrid star in January
Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez caught the attention of the entire footballing world in Russia this summer, and Jose Mourinho is keen on signing him in January.
Hernandez was brilliant for France at the World Cup, and played in every single match including the final against Croatia, leading to rumors linking him with Manchester United.
Usually deployed at center back for his club, he featured for his country in a new role down the left.
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The 22 year old is not undisputed first choice for Atletico though, with Filipe Luis starting ahead of him at left back in two of their 3 league games so far this season.
That could lend some credibility to the rumors claiming that Manchester United are set to make a move for him in the winter transfer window.
Jose Mourinho has been in the market for a center back, but he wasn’t able to sign anyone this summer, losing out on his primary targets of Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld.
In fact, the Portuguese boss got so desperate that there were reports of a last ditch move being made for Lucas’ Atletico teammate Diego Godin on deadline day.
United’s shortcomings in defense were severely exposed in their defeats to Brighton and Tottenham, with Mourinho yet to settle on a stable center-half pairing.
Hernandez, though, has just recently signed a new long term deal with Atletico until 2024, and this could prove to be a complication.
That, along with his incredible performances at the World Cup, have bumped up his release clause to a humongous £72m.
Although there are no indications of Hernandez being unsettled at the Wanda Metropolitano, he could be tempted with a lucrative offer by United.
There’s no doubt, however, that he’d be a world class addition to United’s defense.
At just 22 years old, the youngster is already a World Cup winner, and has his entire career ahead of him.
His versatility could prove to be invaluable for Mourinho. He would be a massive upgrade over his existing choice of center backs, while also providing cover for Luke Shaw, who has managed to revive his career this season.
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Hernandez’s new contract might make this move seem a bit unlikely, but Mourinho has shown that he has no inhibitions in splashing out enormous transfer fees before.