Manchester United are reported to be tracking Eljif Elmas. Here is a look at what fans need to know…
Manchester United’s interest in signing another attacker has led to the club being linked to 26-year-old Eljif Elmas.
Italian outlet TMW report United have been watching Elmas in recent weeks and are alert to his low valuation at just £14 million.
He is on loan at Napoli who have an option to buy him permanently, but there are fears United or another club could hijack the deal and strike an agreement with parent RB Leipzig. The Italian club could alternately buy him and sell him on to United for a profit.
SSC Napoli v Torino FC - Serie A
Photo by SSC Napoli/SSC Napoli
Key Facts: Eljif Elmas
ELJIF ELMAS
Date of birth: 24/9/1999
Place of birth: Skopje, Macedonia
Current club: Napoli, on loan from RB Leipzig
Contract expires: June 2028
Position: Attacking midfielder
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What has been said about Eljif Elmas
Speaking when Elmas was younger, Macedonia legend Goran Pandev praised his versatility, commenting: “Elmas is a valuable addition because he can play in any midfield role, has an eye for goal and can even be a trequartista behind the strikers.”
Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder said: “Eljif’s technical ability is amazing. He’s nimble, loves to run and dribble, and can score goals. He can play down the middle, but is equally comfortable on both wings.
“He’s very good at beating his man thanks to his acceleration and physicality.”
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And just this season Napoli boss Antonio Conte hailed his contribution: “He understands football very well, he is always involved in the game and can cover multiple positions – both as a defensive midfielder, but also more offensively in midfield.
“He is an extraordinary player. He has started 18 games in a row and we are happy to have him in the team.”
Eljif Elmas on his role
Eljif Elmas said: “When you play as a midfielder, you also have to know how to defend, not just look for goals and move forward.”
He added earlier this season via TMW: “Right now, I feel more like a midfielder, because I’m playing more as a defensive midfielder, but everyone knows I feel like an attacking midfielder. I try to give my all, to do what the coach asks of me.
“I can also play full-back, it’s not a problem, but I feel better as an attacking midfielder or a winger.”
North Macedonia international
Eljif Elmas has 75 international caps for North Macedonia, scoring 13 goals, which include a winning strike against Germany in a surprise 2-1 victory in 2021.
If he signed for the club, he would become the first ever player from North Macedonia to play for Manchester United.
Eljif Elmas – Opinion
Eljif Elmas’ price and versatility makes him an intriguing option for Manchester United, in a market where players are frequently overpriced.
Napoli’s buy clause makes this a more complicated deal for United to try and do, but not an impossible one.
Elmas, 26, would not be a Casemiro replacement. A big name midfielder would still be required.
Instead he could be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte, a more attack-minded option, but a useful player to have in the squad if the club are going to compete in multiple competitions.
Elmas has been regularly available for Napoli this season, making 36 appearances this season, and has 353 career club games under his belt already.
While we are sceptical that this interest will blossom into an actual move, Elmas would likely provide good value set against his fee.
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