Early on Friday afternoon, it seemed as if Manchester United and Barcelona had been reinforced by the news that transfer target Andre Silva had a € 30 million release clause in their contract.
The Portuguese international has been in fantastic form for Eintracht Frankfurt this season after agreeing to a permanent transfer last summer, scoring 24 goals and registering four assists in 28 matches in all competitions.
He has even surpassed the coveted Erling Haaland in the Bundesliga this season and his form has once again attracted the attention of some of Europe’s best clubs after a failed time at AC Milan.
Silva has 24 goals this season for Frankfurt | Gualter Fatia / Getty Images
With Manchester United in the market for a striker and chasing heavyweights Harry Kane and Haaland, there is potential that they could consider signing a cheaper option to improve the squad when they also want to strengthen other positions. Silva is a name they have also been linked to.
It was reported by Sport1 that Silva has a release clause of only 30 million euros (26 million pounds) and would be willing to move to a top team if they came to call, despite Frankfurt being well suited to qualify for the Champions League.
But just a few hours later, these rumors have been shot down. The case confirms that a spokesman for the Gestifute consultancy, which represents 25-year-old Silva, has denied the existence of such a clause, and also noted that there is no oral agreement to allow him to leave at that price.
Even if such an attractive price tag does not exist, it does not mean that Manchester United do not actively want to look for a deal for Silva. He has previously played with international teammate Bruno Fernandes at Sporting CP, and we all know how well he has adapted to life in the Premier League.
United needs to be strengthened in other core areas, but spending wisely on Silva, rather than outlandishly on Haaland or Kane, may prove to be a smart deal that allows Ole Gunnar Solskjær to splash the cash elsewhere.
Can Fernandes and Silva be linked at club level next season? | Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images
If Silva were to rock at Old Trafford, he could potentially be a replacement for Edinson Cavani, who will likely return to South America and connect with Boca Juniors. He has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, while Anthony Martial – the club’s only other recognized midfielder – has scored just seven.
Their less than productive returns have seen United rely heavily on Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, who have both scored over 20 goals in the current campaign, while young Mason Greenwood’s production has fallen from last season – although he appears to be back in action. form after playing in the recent 3-1 victory against Tottenham.
