Manchester United will reportedly look to sign 26-year-old North Macedonia international Eljif Elmas in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Elmas is the subject of interest from Manchester United. The Red Devils are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old utility man has emerged as a target for them.
However, it is unclear if Manchester United will have to deal with RB Leipzig or Napoli in the summer transfer window.
While the Serie A champions have a purchase option in the loan agreement with the Bundesliga club, Die Roten Bullen can choose to negotiate with Manchester United in the coming months. The complicated loan arrangement could affect United’s ability to complete a deal smoothly.
Eljif Elmas impresses on Napoli loan from RB Leipzig
Eljif Elmas has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining RB Leipzig from Napoli in January 2024.
A native of Skopje, the 26-year-old spent his formative years in North Macedonia and graduated from the youth division at Rabotnicki Skopje. However, the player rose in prominence during his spell with Napoli, although his stint in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig has not been fruitful.
The North Macedonia international returned to Napoli on loan last summer, and he has been a regular this season, amassing over 2,000 minutes of game time in 36 outings thus far while chipping in with one goal and three assists. Meanwhile, Elmas’s progress this season has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Manchester United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Manchester United target versatile midfield options
Manchester United’s interest in Eljif Elmas makes sense.
The Manchester Reds are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder heading into the summer transfer window, as they want to overhaul their midfield unit in the coming months. Several candidates, including Andrey Santos, have thus emerged on Manchester United’s radar, with Elmas also a viable target for them.
The 26-year-old utility man’s ability to play as a midfielder and a winger makes him an appealing option for Manchester United as they aim to reinforce their first-team squad this summer. His versatility would provide manager Michael Carrick with tactical flexibility across multiple positions.
Napoli purchase option complicates transfer situation
However, it is unclear if Manchester United will have to deal with RB Leipzig or Napoli in the summer transfer window.
While the Serie A champions have a purchase option in the loan agreement with the Bundesliga club, Die Roten Bullen can choose to negotiate with Manchester United in the coming months. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the North Macedonia international.
Manchester United must wait to see whether Napoli exercise their option to buy Elmas permanently from Leipzig.
If Napoli make the deal permanent, United would need to negotiate directly with the Italian club. Alternatively, if Leipzig retain ownership, United could deal with the Bundesliga side. The uncertainty surrounding his registration could delay any potential summer transfer.
