Amad upgrade: INEOS lodge bid to bring "Europe's best player" to Man Utd

Just a week on from having opted not to bring in any new attacking recruits in the January transfer window, Manchester United were dealt a cruel and untimely blow in mid-February, with man of the moment, Amad Diallo, having been struck down by injury.

The diminutive Ivorian had emerged as the shining light in an otherwise grim campaign for the Red Devils prior to that, impressing, in particular, following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at the club, with 11 goals and assists chalked up in just 20 games under the Portuguese coach.

It was Amorim then who had to break the news that his wing wizard would likely be out for the rest of the campaign, albeit while having since offered a flicker of hope that the 22-year-old could actually return before the season is over.

Whatever does occur with regard to the former Atalanta man in the remainder of 2024/25, it does appear that he will be a central part of Amorim’s side next term, be it as a wing-back or in a more advanced number ten berth.

That said, if recent reports are to be believed, INEOS could actually be looking at acquiring an upgrade on the £19m signing, ahead of next season.

Latest on Man Utd’s search for a forward

As noted above, the decision was made in the winter window not to add to Amorim’s forward ranks, with that coming despite the ‘loss’ of two somewhat exiled figures from the 40-year-old’s first-team squad, in the form of Antony and Marcus Rashford.

With the pair looking unlikely to be welcomed back into the fold next term – with Jadon Sancho also still in line to join Chelsea on a permanent basis – the Red Devils’ attacking ranks remain rather depleted, with Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund currently the only fit, senior forwards available to the former Sporting CP boss.

It is no surprise then that adding a new attacker is likely to be a priority this summer, with reports in Spain indicating that INEOS are already pressing ahead with their market moves, having reportedly lodged a bid to sign Barcelona sensation, Raphinha.

The claim is that the Old Trafford side have made an offer worth in the region of €70m (£59m), with Amorim keen to bring the former Leeds United man back to England, amid his fine form of late in Catalonia.

As per the reports, it remains to be seen whether the LaLiga giants would be willing to accept what is described as a ‘generous’ offer for the player, with the Red Devils having taken the ‘firmest step so far’ toward landing the 28-year-old this summer.

Should that marquee move be made, it could see Raphinha cement a place for himself as the attacking figurehead in Amorim’s forward line.

How Raphinha compares to Amad

There may be a hint of controversy of signing a man with Elland Road connections, but make no mistake, if INEOS can get Raphinha in the door this summer, it would be a real coup for the club.

The one-time Sporting star – who played alongside Bruno Fernandes during his solitary season in Lisbon – has elevated his talents since shining in Yorkshire a few years ago, having chipped in with 29 goals and assists in 67 games during his prior spell in English football.

Now, however, it could be said he is arguably “Europe’s best player in 2024/25“, in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, having been simply electric under Hansi Flick, both domestically and in the Champions League.

In all, the 31-cap Brazil international – who can operate on either flank or in a central attacking midfield berth – has racked up a mammoth total of 48 goal involvements in just 41 games this season, forming a devastating partnership with teen superstar, Lamine Yamal, under Flick’s watch.

Amad, of course, had delighted in the early months of the campaign, although the one-time Sunderland loanee doesn’t come close to those kinds of numbers, having recorded ‘just’ 16 goals and assists prior to his injury blow.

Both men appear to be at their best when operating off the right flank, with the ability to cut in onto their favoured left foot, although unsurprisingly, it is the more experienced Barca man who is currently at the peak of his powers, as evidenced further by his club total of 93 goals and assists in just 129 games.

Amad, by contrast, has just 21 goals and assists in 52 games for the Red Devils, having endured a slow rise since initially joining the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in January 2021.

The United man certainly has time to progress and reach loftier heights, yet if Amorim is looking for a Premier League-proven, ready-made upgrade, then Raphinha would surely be the perfect solution.

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