Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'consider putting Dayot Upamecano move on hold for a year'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 02 September 2020

Members of the Manchester United board are reportedly in favour of postponing their planned move for RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano until next summer.

Some members of the Manchester United hierarchy are reportedly in favour of putting the club's pursuit of Dayot Upamecano on hold for a year.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is understood to have identified the in-demand 21-year-old as his top choice to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of his defence next season.

United were rumoured to have set their sights on pushing through a deal after sealing their first summer signing, which saw Donny van de Beek arrive at the club this afternoon.

However, The Telegraph reports that the board are at odds over the plans for the centre-back, with some eager to pursue him this year and others in favour of waiting.

Those in the latter camp believe that, at 21, he will benefit from another season of first-team football in the Bundesliga before joining a club of United's size.

Upamecano also recently signed a new contract that will see his release clause drop to £40m next summer, making him a cheaper option in 12 months than the £53m it would take to sign him this year.

However, there would also likely be much more competition for his signature if he enjoys another standout campaign for RB Leipzig, increasing the chance of the Red Devils missing out on him altogether.

Upamecano made 38 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions last season, helping the German outfit into the semi-finals of the Champions League.