Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has branded Dayot Upamecano a ‘very good player’ and talked up the prospect of watching the highly-rated centre-back tomorrow night when Manchester United face RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old was linked with a move to United during the summer, as per ESPN, but he ended up staying at Leipzig despite impressing in last season’s Champions League as the Bundesliga outfit reached the semi-finals after knocking out Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.
Upamecano is contracted to Leipzig until 2023 but it wouldn’t surprise me if one of the big clubs made a move for the Frenchman next summer. Last season he looked like one of the best defenders in Europe and he’s only 22.
Dayot Upamecano profile
- Club: RB Leipzig
- Position: Centre-back
- Age: 22
- Height: 6’1″
- Foot: Right
- Nationality: French
The Sun has linked Upamecano with moves to Liverpool, United and Arsenal as early as January.
Though it seems bizarre that Leipzig would sell their best player midway through the season if their solid form continues in the Bundesliga.
Julien Nagelsmann’s side currently lead the Bundesliga after an unbeaten start to their campaign.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Leipzig at Old Trafford, Solskjaer refused to be drawn on a potential move for the defender, but went out of his way to admit he is a top player.
“There’s always rumours and speculation about other players and Manchester United,” Solskjaer said (via Manchester Evening News). “I don’t want to comment on every player we’re linked to.
“Since he’s playing against us tomorrow, I know he’s a very good player and we can see him close up tomorrow.”
It won’t get any closer for United and their scouting network. A potential world-class defender right under their noses.
Of course, this puts a degree of pressure on Upamecano’s shoulders. Let’s see how he deals with pressure!
