Manchester United have identified Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet as their preferred candidate to replace Bruno Fernandes if he decides to leave the club, FootballTransfers understands.
Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal are among the teams interested in signing Fernandes this summer and although Man Utd are determined to retain the Portugal international, they have identified Sancet as a possible replacement.
Current ETV
Oihan Sancet
M (C)
Athletic
Oihan Sancet
M (C)
Athletic
ETV Range
€51M – €62.3M
Sources close to the situation have informed FootballTransfers that Ruben Amorim is a huge admirer of Sancet and although negotiations aren’t currently underway, Man Utd are understood to be monitoring him closely.
The Athletic Club star has been internally discussed as a potential signing by the Old Trafford hierarchy and their pursuit is likely to intensify if Fernandes departs this summer or during the 2026 January transfer window.
Sancet still has seven years remaining on his current contract at Athletic Club and he will cost a whopping €80 million this summer due to a release clause included in his deal with the Basque side.
However, Man Utd are keeping tabs on his situation as they prepare for a mega summer transfer window that is expected to see several high-profile players move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd’s summer transfer plans
A deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha has almost been finalised, while FootballTransfers understands that Ollie Watkins is of interest to Man Utd amid the possibility of a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford.
We have also been told that Amorim’s side are hoping to hijack Arsenal’s move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia as they look to sign a new goalkeeper following Andre Onana’s woes this campaign.
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