Manchester United are plotting to activate £10.45 million release clause for Ghanian defender this summer – reports

Manchester United are reportedly plotting to activate the £10.45 million release clause for Real Valladolid’s Ghanian defender Mohammed Salisu this summer. The 21-year-old signed a new deal with the La Liga club in May 2019, which expires in the summer of 2022 – also including the relatively low release clause, according to Spanish news source, AS.

The Spanish club are interested in signing the player to a new contract, which would include a much higher release clause, something which United and other suitors would be seeking to stop from happening. United have been linked to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly already this year, also with Dayot Upamecano linked to the Old Trafford club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is clearly interested in fortifying his defence with the likelihood of Marcos Rojo’s departure and the fact that Chris Smalling, currently on loan with AS Roma is certain to be seeking life away from the Theatre of Dreams. Obviously, United would still have the likes of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, and Axel Tuanzebe.

Salisu has played a total of 28 times already this season, scoring one goal, also assisting another up until the Coronavirus pandemic stopped football in March. The form of the Ghanian has attracted the likes of United, Real Madrid and even Atletico Madrid according to the reports, based on the low release clause of the player, which could turn into a major bargain.

Many European teams will be seeking to bolster their defensive ranks this summer, or whenever the transfer window opens, and with financial uncertainty yet to come after the restrictions from the pandemic are lifted, many clubs could find themselves bargains, possible losing players themselves when the transfer market actually opens.

United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward has also suggested, during a recent fans forum, that big money signings are a doubt for the summer, which has led to some assuming that means United will not be spending big on players that they are linked to. That may or may not happen and remains to be seen.

The Ghanian central defender is represented by Juan Mata Sr, the father of United’s Juan Mata, which may give some way into the destination of the player, or maybe not. Mata’s father, recently speaking to Vipdeportivo as part of an interview, suggested that this summer might be the summer for Salisu, paving the way for a possible deal to be struck. Mata Sr said:

“This may be the window of Salisu. It is another very young and African discovery, which this year has been the sensation of the league because at only 21 years old, 6ft 2in, left footed and playing central, in this category it is not easy.

“The truth is that I think this may be his window because many interests have arisen from many clubs and he deserves it.”

Obviously, with football yet to resume the transfer window will be delayed as it cannot open with the rest of the season still to play. When it does, clubs will be seeking a bargain, of which this relatively low release clause will offer. Salisu has played all but one La Liga match for Valladolid this season, which suggests he might be something special.

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