Manchester United Consider Triggering Portuguese Midfielder’s £34 Million Release Clause

Manchester United are in need of midfielders, and another name has now popped up as a candidate for a potential signing.

According to TalkSPORT's Alex Crook, strong sources in Portugal are suggesting that Manchester United are interested in signing Portuguese central midfielder Vitinha, currently of Porto.

United are considering activating his release clause, which is worth £34 million. 

The 22 year old midfielder has been linked to a multitude of top clubs and is highly regarded, having started 27 of 34 games for his side as they won the Primeira Liga last season.

Porto remarkably lost just one match all season in the competition.

The midfielder also scored in the final of the Taça de Portugal as his side added the domestic cup to their league success.

Vitinha celebrating after winning the final of the Portuguese Cup

Vitinha has experience of English football, having spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He made 19 appearances for the Black Country outfit in the league and showcased some of his quality in these games.

This season he has taken a huge leap, being one of the best and most important players for the Dragões as they achieved a domestic double. 

Midfield has long been a problem area for Manchester United, and although United are looking at both Christian Eriksen and Frenkie de Jong as reinforcements it is not enough.

The Reds are officially losing four midfield players this summer on free transfers, further damaging what was an already weak area of the side.

More signings are needed in this area if the club want to rebuild properly.

Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Fred against Neymar of PSG

In Paul Pogba leaving the club this summer, United are losing one of the best midfield passer in world football.

With a lack of top passing quality already being an issue in areas of the team, this is a big blow.

Vitinha’s standout trait is maybe his ability to pass the ball. He never shies away from getting on the ball and helping his team out in all three phases of possession, and is able to retain it very well.

These are all qualities that are needed in Manchester United’s double pivot, and for just £34 million this seems like it would be quite a good deal to complete.

The release clause means that negotiations will not be a hassle, and he's not on high wages and it is unlikely he will demand them either.

All things considered, this is a relatively inexpensive deal that adds quality to an area of the squad that lacks it currently and Vitinha’s age means he only has more room to get better, having just come off the best season of his fledgling career.

It makes sense that United are interested and it looks like it would be a smart signing.