Manchester United target Salvador Blopa has had a meteoric rise this season, sending his potential value soaring.
When Ruben Amorim switched from Sporting to Manchester United, he was strongly tipped to bring Geovany Quenda with him the following summer.
However, Chelsea beat United to the punch, agreeing a deal in February that will see Quenda spend the whole of this season with Sporting before joining the Blues.
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United have this month been linked with the next wing-back wonderkid coming through at Sporting, Salvador Blopa.
The Mail report that Manchester United are on alert over Blopa after an impressive breakthrough this season.
Salvador Blopa scoring against FC Alverca
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Salvador Blopa has needed only one game to show his worth
Salvador Blopa began the season in Sporting’s B team, before being called up to make his debut in the Portuguese League Cup.
Blopa made the most of his big opportunity, scoring two goals from the right wing in a 5-1 victory for his team.
In doing so, Blopa set an 88-year club record with Sporting. He became the first player for the club to score two goals on his debut since 1937.
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United have signed four players directly from Sporting over the years, including Cristiano Ronaldo and current captain Bruno Fernandes.
🔴 Manchester United’s Signings from Sporting CP
Player Position Year Signed
Cristiano Ronaldo Forward / Winger 2003
Nani Winger 2007
Marcos Rojo Centre-Back 2014
Bruno Fernandes Attacking Midfield 2020
Ruben Amorim will already be aware of Blopa, who was in the Sporting academy during his time at the club.
Portuguese outlet Record note: “Having been with the club since he was 8 years old, the Portuguese-Guinean player, now 18, has versatility as one of his main strengths, given his ability to play both as a full-back/winger or as a winger.”
They add: “He also stands out for his tall stature (1.91 meters), work ethic and remarkable athleticism, particularly his speed.”
Sporting looking to extend Salvador Blopa
The big obstacle in Manchester United’s way is Sporting’s plan to sign Salvador Blopa to an extended contract with a huge release clause.
Blopa’s current deal expires in 2026. Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that discussions have been ongoing about an extended contract to 2030.
Sporting plan to insert a huge 100m Euros release clause into the new deal, equivalent to £88 million.
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While Blopa’s potentially giant release clause is intended to act as a deterrent, Sporting rarely demand the full fee. Instead they use the clause to negotiate a smaller – yet still high fee.
Geovany Quenda also had a 100m release clause in his contract. Sporting sold him and Dario Essugo in a double-deal to Chelsea for £62 million.