Manchester United are eager to bolster their defensive line and are keen to secure the services of Napoli Star Elseid Hysaj. The Albanian has been immense for Maurizio Sarri’s side this season as they are on the brink of winning the Serie A title since 1990. Hysaj has been on the radar of quite a few top clubs across the continent as his string of impressive performances have helped the Italian clubs to 2nd in the Serie A table. A powerful attack-minded full-back who is capable of playing on either side of the pitch. Hysaj is also very quick which allows him to track back when he is out of position, physically strong, excellent and quick in the air; Hysaj fits all the traits that are required for a top quality wing-back.
Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are currently at 2nd place on the Premier League table but have fallen short because local rivals Manchester City have already clinched the title quite comfortably. And the Portuguese boss believes that he needs to strengthen his wing-back positions on both the left and right side.
At the moment, Mourinho utilizes Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young in the right and left-back spots for United and the two of them have done extremely well in those positions. The duo used to be attacking wingers and have shifted to positions further back on the pitch. And as Young and Valencia aren’t natural defenders they usually get caught off guard when playing against the best of attackers. The fact that the two of them will turn 33 does not help their cause any further.
Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian have also fallen out of favor and further down the pecking order at United. Shaw was once the most promising young fullback in the country but has not been able to get into United’s first team as Mourinho does not trust the 22-year-old left-back who is keen on playing regular football elsewhere. Darmian, on the other hand, is just deemed not good enough to play for Manchester United and looks likely to exit Old Trafford at the end of this season.
These departures could see United earn some transfer fee which could help in buying the 24-year-old Napoli star Hysaj. Hysaj has a £43.7m (€50m) release clause in his contract and that is quite the bargain in this transfer market. He would definitely add some much-needed cover in the wing-back zones as he would be an upgrade over any United defender if he adapts quickly enough to the Premier League.
Although Napoli would not want to lose this key player in the summer transfer window as the Serie A club are well aware of his traits and qualities. Hysaj has made 41 appearances for Napoli and has been quite effective for the Italians.
But Manchester United cannot be fully assured of securing a deal for Hysaj as Premier League rivals Chelsea are also keen on the Albanian, which speaks volumes of Hysaj’s ability.
