Manchester United have been linked with a move for Santos striker Marcos Leonardo, but now his agent says ‘the time has come’ for the youngster to move to Europe.
The Red Devils have missed out on a number of young goalscorers in recent years, although I don’t hear many fans complaining about the capture of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. It still doesn’t change the fact that we overlooked pursuits of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez – letting both sign for Man City as a result.
Leonardo is reportedly valued at £25 million, which is a drop in the ocean for a club like United, and it may be worth paying attention to his development because comparisons have been made to Sergio Aguero.
Speaking to AS in October, Leonardo said he felt ‘prepared’ for a new challenge in Europe and it’s a view shared by his agent Rafaela Pimenta.
Pimenta, who also represents Paul Pogba, took over as Leonardo’s agent after Mino Raiola passed away in 2022.
“Already in the previous transfer window, he had the possibility of being sold,” Pimenta told Calciomercato.
“But Santos’ sporting situation was very particular. He accepted to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the season. “He didn’t want to leave because it wasn’t the right thing to do.
“But (now), the time has come for the transfer. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter.”
It hurts United that there is a shortage of attacking options available to Erik ten Hag. He’s got an inexperienced Hojlund and Anthony Martial, who is rarely fit or on the scoresheet these days.
Hojlund has yet to score in the Premier League but he has shown that he has what it takes to develop at Old Trafford once he can stay fit.
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