Manchester United are exploring a potential summer transfer for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas as they aim to address a problematic position in Michael Carrick’s squad.
Salinas has emerged as a target for United during the current transfer window. The Spanish club’s sporting director, Chema Aragon, recently indicated that Salinas could depart if his £14m release clause is activated.
United need a new left-back this summer given that Luke Shaw has just 12 months remaining on his contract. While Patrick Dorgu has successfully transitioned to the left flank, cover options Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are naturally right-sided defenders.
Academy youngster Harry Amass represents another possibility, though he has yet to gain experience at the highest level. Lewis Hall from Newcastle had been viewed as a leading candidate because of his Premier League know-how and potential.
However, a move for Hall appears increasingly improbable following Newcastle’s significant summer exits, which included Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali. With fewer than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, United must act swiftly on alternative options.
Another player under consideration is Santander’s Salinas. The 19-year-old delivered an impressive showing last season, contributing to his club’s promotion to La Liga.
The teenager, also courted by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, contributed seven assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.
Recent coverage from Spanish outlet Infobae has provided United with encouragement regarding a possible deal. Reports suggest Atletico have encountered obstacles in their pursuit of the defender, having had a £12m bid turned down by Santander.
The Spanish club are said to have proposed a new contract to Salinas, whose current terms extend until 2029, but the player appears to be waiting until the latter stages of the transfer window.
Although Atletico were anticipated to intensify their efforts for the Spain Under-19 international, their apparent reluctance has reportedly created an opening for United. It is claimed that Atletico, spurred by United’s interest, have set themselves a weekend deadline to conclude negotiations, threatening to withdraw and give the Old Trafford club a clear path to sign the young defender.
Santander’s sporting director Aragon has commented on the transfer speculation via SportWitness, expressing weariness at the continuous speculation.
He indicated that the situation keeps recurring, with attention shifting between the release clause and different clubs. He noted that fortunately the player remains concentrated, and should anyone meet the €16m valuation and the player prefer the destination, the transfer would proceed.