According to the reports from Spain as cited by Lancs Live, Manchester United are eying a move for Valencia’s fullback Jose Gaya. It is believed that the defender has caught the eye of Manchester United’s scouts after his impressive performances this season.
Why are United interested in a left-back?
United currently have Brandon Williams, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young who can play as left-backs. The youth development team is saying at Old Trafford that Williams isn’t ready for a regular starting role yet. Young’s contract is expiring in the summer, and Luke Shaw’s fitness issues mean that the club could eye a move for a left-back in the future.
However, Gaya could cost as much as £45m. The 24-year-old is also a six times Spanish international and has come up from Valencia’s academy. He has been playing top-flight football for five years now, and even though he is young, he has a good amount of experience under his belt. He has put in some eye-catching displays this season, and it remains to be seen now how concrete United’s interest is for the left-back.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær had spent a big part of his transfer budget this summer on defenders as the club brought in Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. United are yet to get going so far as they have had a stop-start kind of season.
What can Gaya bring to the table?
Jose Gaya is currently in the prime of his career who has played in top European competitions like the Champions League. The Spaniard has impressive pace, and he is a tough-tackling fullback. His agility and ball control in tight spaces are eye-catching, and he is a constant threat while going forward. He might lack a bit of discipline on the defensive front sometimes, but that can be worked upon by the club.
Should United sign Gaya?
Luke Shaw was supposed to be the long term left-back for United when he was signed from Southampton. However, the Englishman has struggled with fitness and injury issues in the past two years, and Ashley Young has been more of a mainstay at left-back.
Shaw is still 24 though and he might come good. However, if United go on to sign a new left-back, then it might suggest that the club doesn’t trust the English fullback anymore. If United are willing to discard Shaw, then Gaya is definitely worth going after. However, the club should give Williams some regular chances at the top level before spending a fortune on Gaya.
