Manchester United are making waves in the transfer market, with rumours rife about the club negotiating several deals simultaneously, marking a sharp turn in their recruitment policy as opposed to slow movement in prior seasons.
Under new ownership, the club is determined to fully back the manager and get him the players he needs before pre-season ends. As a result, reports have emerged of the club engaging in talks with other clubs for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Manuel Ugarte.
Another player that the club is looking towards is Tottenham Hotspur fullback Sergio Reguilon, who was on loan at Old Trafford for the first half of the 2023/24 season and has been reportedly put up for sale after falling down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou.
From Spurs surplus to United savior?
Reguilon joined Tottenham Hotspurs from Real Madrid in 2020 and featured heavily the first couple seasons before being sent on loan to various clubs for the last two seasons.
The Spaniard spent time at Atletico Madrid during the 2022–23 season and was a deadline-day signing for Manchester United after they faced a crisis in their left-back department with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured. The fullback was strangely let go before his loan expired, and he then joined Brentford, spending the second half of last season in West London.
The 27-year-old arrived in the Premier League, highly touted to be one of the best fullbacks in the world, but has not tasted success in the capital. With the new manager in the form of Postecoglou arriving last season, the Spaniard has fallen behind the likes of Destiny Udogie and Mickey Van de Ven and has since been told to look for options elsewhere, with the club hopeful of getting him off their books this season.
Bargain Buy?
Since joining, Reguilon has made a total of 77 appearances in the Premier League, chipping in with 2 goals and 10 assists. Spurs are now ready to take a hit while selling the Spaniard, having shelled out £32 million for him in 2020, and can reportedly sell him for as little as £10 million now.
Manchester United are looking for cover for Luke Shaw, who is frequently injured, and Tyrell Malacia, who missed out on the entirety of last season, and Sergio Reguilon has popped up as a suitable option.
His price tag fits within the budget constraints at Old Trafford, who are also pursuing a number of other deals, and the 27-year-old put in a decent shift in his limited appearances with the club last season. Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on bringing the defender back to Manchester, but the Spaniard is also being courted by West Ham United and Italian giant Juventus.
The Spaniard has been on United’s radar since before his move to Tottenham Hotspur, but the Red Devils were unable to reach an agreement with Real Madrid. Reguilon had impressed scouts most in the opposition’s half with energetic displays. Reguilon’s trademark is to gallop into the area from deep rather than cross early.
United already have a balanced fullback in the form of Diogo Dalot, who has improved United’s right flank massively, both in attack and defence, and the addition of Reguilon could add a bit more attacking flair on the left flank. Ten Hag will be hopeful the left-back can build on his performances in his short time at Old Trafford last season.
Once a Red, Always a Red? Reguilon’s Manchester United Return on the Cards
Reguilon has just one year left on his contract, and it is certain that the former Real Madrid man will leave North London this summer. He will have a good few options to choose from with the big clubs like Juventus and Manchester United, but also with clubs like West Ham, where he will be guaranteed to play a crucial and starring role throughout the season.
The 27-year-old has been open about his fondness for Manchester United, penning a heartfelt farewell note to the supporters when his loan deal was cut short last season. ‘Once a Red, always a Red’, he said in his note, and it seems he was right, with the Mancunian club ready to bring him back on a permanent basis.
Manchester United are currently prioritising a deal for de Ligt, having just completed the signing of Zirkzee, and it could well allow the Hammers or Juventus to swoop in and poach Reguilon. However, many reports suggest that the Spaniard favours a move to Old Trafford over others and could wait for a concrete offer to arrive.
As of now, there are no contacts between the clubs or players, and it remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag and the new United hierarchy can fit Sergio Reguilon into their tight budget this summer.
