Manchester United Interested in Porto's Evanilson, Opening Bid Rejected

Manchester United have, reportedly, had a bid rejected for FC Porto’s Brazilian striker Evanilson. The Red Devils look to secure a promising prospect to lead the frontline under Erik ten Hag and have identified the 22-year-old as a potential target.

Following the departures of Luis Diaz in January and Fabio Vieira this summer, Evanilson could be the next in line to leave the Portugues club this summer. According to numerous reports, United remain in the hunt for a striker after the club, reportedly, bowed out of a race for Darwin Nunez who secured a move to Liverpool.

Evanilson, Mancehster United — Image Obtained Via Manchester Evening News

Ajax’s Antony is expected to emerge as Ten Hag’s prime target to bolster the forward positions. However, given the club’s need to replace an ageing Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils are likely to look for an out-and-out striker in this transfer window.

According to Portuguese news outlet Record (via Metro), Manchester United have turned their towards Evanilson and are said to have had an initial bid of €60m (£51.5mn) rejected by Porto. The report claims that an upfront offer of €70m (£60m) could sway the Portuguese club to sell the player.

FC Porto’s need to balance their books before the end of June. However, the club are only expected to sanction the sale of one other player, with PSG reportedly triggering midfielder Vitinha’s release clause, another target for the Red Devils. United had kept an eye on Evanilson for the last four months, upon the recommendation of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

🚨Porto have rejected Manchester United's €65m bid for Evanilson. ❌ #FCP🔵

👉 Manu is preparing a new offer.⌛ #MUFC🔴 pic.twitter.com/LGSo7oaay6

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) June 20, 2022

Nevertheless, with the Red Devils expected to operate on a disciplined budget and Ten Hag reported to have prioritized reinforcements in other areas ahead of the attacking positions, it remains to be seen if Manchester United retain an interest in Evanilson as they look to fulfill the new manager’s demands ahead of the highly-anticipated pre-season campaign.

Promising Potential

Having moved to FC Porto in 2020 from Brazilian club Tombense for €8.8m, Evanilson established himself as a first-team regular in the recently concluded campaign. Netting 21 goals in 45 games for the Portuguese club last season (stats via transfermarkt), the 22-year-old striker’s attributes shone through; significantly contributing to the team’s title-winning 21/22 league campaign.

Renowned for his finishing and poaching ability within the 18-yard box, the youngster thrives in a role which requires him to serve as a traditional number nine. With an excellent work rate and a willingness to stretch the pitch with his movement and availability across the attacking third, Evanilson delivers impressive numbers in a high-pressing system.

https://twitter.com/ryanadsett/status/1539248035779203072

Moreover, given Erik ten Hag’s preference for a tenacious forward who is capable of retaining possession and serving as a clinical figure in front of goal, the Brazilian striker emerges as a favourable prospect for the Dutch manager this summer.

Nevertheless, with United’s name likely to be mentioned only in a bid to stoke interest in the player, it remains unlikely that Evanilson finds himself at Old Trafford next season. However, given the lack of adequate backup for Ronaldo, the Red Devils are likely to be pushed into securing a promising forward ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Verdict

While Manchester United are expected to seek a forward this summer, Evanilson remains the unlikeliest of players to make the move to Old Trafford in this window. Represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, reports of a rejected offer in addition to United registering a strong interest in the player are likely to be driven by the agent himself in a bid to secure a move out of Porto over the transfer window.

With United focused on securing the signings of Frenkie De Jong and Christian Eriksen, a move for a forward seems unlikely with Ten Hag likely to focus on a centre-back as his third signing of the window.

While Portuguese outlet O Jojo (quoted by Sports Witness) claims that United are “preparing a new onslaught” for Evanilson’s signing and are expected to deliver an improved offer of €80m (£69m) for the player, the Red Devils are likely to offer close to half of the mentioned amount, provided they register a genuine interest in securing his services.

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