Manchester United hold a 'serious interest' in signing Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal, according to Football Transfers.
It's been a slow start to the January transfer window for the Red Devils, who are yet to make a senior addition this month. The hierarchy may have been a little distracted with focusing on bringing in a new manager, after Ruben Amorim was sacked at the beginning of January.
Michael Carrick has now been placed in interim charge, which complicates recruitment matters further, not knowing who is going to be in charge for the 2026/2027 season. United will have to plan their recruitment knowing a new manager could be in the dugout, and it remains to be seen whether they choose to keep their manager dry until a permanent boss arrives at Old Trafford.
Man Utd Eyeing Spanish Forward
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According to a report from Football Transfers, Manchester United officials jetted off to Spain last week, primarily to hold talks with Barcelona over Marcus Rashford's future. The report also claims that there's a chance they were also watching La Real attacker Oyarzabal, who they hold a 'serious interest' in, but any possible move is more likely in the summer transfer window than now.
The 28-year-old has started 17 La Liga games for Real Sociedad this season, scoring six goals while providing three assists. It's claimed that the Spanish international has a release clause in his contract, sitting at around £65m.
Described as 'unstoppable' by Squawka, Oyarzabal's versatility could make him an attractive option to the Red Devils. The La Real attacker is capable of playing on the wing, in a centre-forward role, or behind the striker.
Man Utd Need Experience in Attack
Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad celebrates
As it stands, United have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their striker options. Both players have only recently joined Manchester United, and they are both inexperienced centre-forwards. Although it's not a guarantee that Oyarzabal would be signed as a striker, it's a position he's played many times and has plenty of experience in.
Sometimes, the pressure of playing for United can get a little too much for young players, so having an experienced head in the squad to provide cover and competition could be beneficial. His versatility, helping cover a host of different positions, particularly in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system, would make him a smart addition for the Red Devils if they were able to secure his signature.