Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Manchester United might have just seen any chance of signing Aurelien Tchouameni this summer dissipate, but another door has opened for an even more exciting talent.
This week has already seen Lewis Hall become very unlikely as a summer signing for Manchester United, despite the £60m ambition that Ineos reportedly have.
Now, Aurelien Tchouameni also isn’t looking likely with Real Madrid potentially missing out on Rodri, with The Athletic reporting that the Spanish World Cup winner is now under consideration for a move to Barcelona instead.
If this happened, Madrid surely wouldn’t be willing to sell Tchouameni without a replacement, and therefore, United must forget about it. But by Rodri moving to Barcelona, United might potentially stumble on an even more exciting signing.
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Birmingham City v FC Barcelona - Pre-Season Friendly
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Marc Bernal could now be available for Manchester United
If Rodri goes to Barcelona, Hansi Flick would have an incredible midfield capable of winning everything. Rodri, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi… it is top class, but it does see young 18-year-old Marc Bernal left on the sidelines.
That is why United should be looking at Bernal and thinking that he could absolutely be this summer’s third midfielder, offering him lots of first-team football, which he wouldn’t get at the Camp Nou now.
Bernal, at just 18, played 787 minutes of La Liga football last season, and is already a very impressive midfielder who could complete United’s team both right now and for the long-term future as a number six.
Bernal has better ball carrying and defensive numbers than Tchouameni right now, while his passing, creation, and aerial contributions are all very close to the Real Madrid star.
This is encouraging, and at 18, he still has so much development to go, meaning that Bernal could absolutely be an upgrade on Tchouameni in the long term.
Despite his age, Bernal has the La Masia education, which means he is a far more mature footballer than his years on the planet suggest. Bernal would be a very exciting signing, one which would suit Kobbie Mainoo perfectly, and also Andrey Santos.
Bernal could end up being a better signing than Tchouameni in the long-run and he would be arriving with a point to prove, and he could easily be the next big Barcelona mistake. If Tchouameni isn’t an option, United need to be pushing for Bernal.
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How much would Bernal cost this summer?
Interestingly, there have been reports suggesting United have an interest in Bernal over the past few months, with Mundo Deportivo suggesting that talks had already been had.
Bernal reportedly wants to remain at Barcelona in an ideal world, but assuming his minutes and status in the squad are set to drop, he could quite quickly be made available.
Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this week that Aston Villa were looking at Bernal, with a bid of around £30m being considered, with the Rodri move making this even more likely to see Barcelona change their stance on accepting bids.
£30m for the player Bernal is right now and could grow into over the course of the season, is excellent value, fits into Ineos’ budgeting plans, and could end up looking like a masterstroke.