Things are getting harder for Manchester United to sign the Benfica wonderkid Úmaro Embaló.
As reported by the Portuguese press this week, the Red Devils had shown the Eagles they would be available to pay €6m, but the recent developments have shown this offer isn’t good enough.
Firstly, because Real Madrid joined the race, and the first report said they would be offering €2m more than Manchester United.
Secondly, according to newspaper O Jogo today, it’s not just €8m that Madrid are willing to pay. It’s actually €15m, even though Benfica are showing no intention to sell the 16-year-old.
Apart from the heavy competition, another thing that would make it hard for Embaló to sign for Manchester United is a new contract. O Jogo claim Benfica are preparing a deal that includes a €60m release clause, which would obviously keep him at the club for a long time.
Will Manchester United still make a bigger effort to sign an academy player? It sounds very unlikely. As does Real Madrid offering €15m.
