Manchester United turn to Jorge Salinas as Barcelona’s left-back plans hit financial obstacle

Manchester United have entered the race to sign promising Spanish left-back Jorge Salinas, Barcelona’s leading target to strengthen their defence, in a move that could disrupt the Catalan club’s efforts to recruit the 19-year-old.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Manchester United have identified Salinas as an alternative option after their attempt to sign Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall stalled. Newcastle are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old to United, whom they regard as a direct rival in the Premier League.

The development has increased the pressure on Barcelona, who have been pursuing Salinas alongside Atletico Madrid for several weeks.

United consider Salinas after Hall setback

Manchester United have monitored Salinas closely, including during the European Under-19 Championship held in Wales last July. Spain won the tournament, with the teenager making a strong impression during the competition.

The United board are understood to be highly impressed by the player and believe he is ready to join the first-team squad immediately. He would compete for a starting role with England left-back Luke Shaw, whose recurring injury problems have affected his form and availability in recent seasons.

Several English media outlets report that manager Michael Carrick has already approved the signing of Salinas if United are unable to reach a final agreement with Newcastle for Hall.

Barcelona have not abandoned their interest in the Cantabrian defender. Sporting director Deco has concentrated much of his work on strengthening the attack, which has been weakened by the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford, while Ferran Torres could also move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, left-back remains an urgent area for Barcelona to address before the summer transfer window closes. Their move for Joao Cancelo is close to completion, but negotiations for Salinas have become increasingly difficult in recent weeks.

That uncertainty has allowed Manchester United to make a significant move for a player Barcelona had regarded as their preferred solution on the left side of defence.

Financial advantage for Manchester United

The biggest difference between the two clubs is their ability to meet Racing Santander’s demands. Manchester United are prepared to pay the full release clause in Salinas’ contract, worth €16m, without negotiations or delays.

Barcelona, who continue to face serious financial difficulties, have made a proposal worth a maximum of €8m. Their offer consists of €6m in fixed payments and a further €2m in performance-related bonuses.

The Catalan club are also prepared to offer young players to Racing Santander on loan in an attempt to reduce the overall cost of the transfer and make an agreement easier to reach.

That approach could prove insufficient if United formally activate the release clause. In that situation, Racing Santander would be required to accept the offer without entering further negotiations.

Salinas prefers Barcelona

Barcelona retain one significant advantage in the contest: Salinas reportedly dreams of wearing the club’s blue and red shirt next season.

The teenager is said to prefer a move to Camp Nou over any other destination, including Manchester United. His preference could therefore influence the outcome, despite the substantial financial gap between the proposals.

However, that personal choice may not be enough if Manchester United decide to pay the €16m clause. Salinas would then face a difficult decision between his ambition to join Barcelona and the more lucrative opportunity offered by a move to the Premier League.