This week, Marcos Leonardo is expected to finish his transfer to Portuguese team Benfica.
Three Premier League teams, including Manchester United, were rumoured to be interested in the Santos forward, who was anticipated to make a major move to England.The 20-year-old was reportedly being watched by Newcastle United and Arsenal, two teams in need of offensive reinforcements. Manchester World is aware that United wasn’t very interested, though.
However, Leonardo has instead chosen to relocate to Lisbon and will join with Benfica in the next days, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. The striker is scheduled for a medical examination “within the next 24 hours,” and the Portuguese powerhouses are said to have reached a £15.5 million deal with Santos for his services.
Leonardo, who is only 20 years old, had long been predicted to make a significant move to Europe after scoring an astounding 54 goals in 168 games for Santos. The aforementioned three expressed interest in him during the summer, and in November, Rafaela Pimenta, his agent, acknowledged that a January transfer was probably imminent.
“Santos’ sporting situation was very particular, but he had the possibility of being sold already in the previous transfer market,” Pimenta stated. “He wanted to assist until the championship was over, so he consented to stay.”
It wasn’t the right thing to do, so he didn’t want to go. However, it’s time to make a move. This winter will mark the fulfilment of his desire to travel to Europe.”
Although club executives have previously stated they anticipate a quiet month, especially with regard to arrivals, United is still in the lookout for striking reinforcements. The possibility of selling Anthony Martial, who was also available for sale in the summer but did not draw any significant interest, would be necessary before making a move for a new striker.
This season, Erik ten Hag’s team has struggled mightily in front of goal; their 22 goals in the Premier League are only better than those of Burnley and Sheffield United. Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million summer acquisition, netted his first league goal on his fifteenth try in last month’s 3-2 victory against Aston Villa, whereas Martial has only two goals overall.
