Recent reports from Portuguese media outlet Record (subscription required) claim that Manchester United are keen on signing Porto striker Evanilson in the ongoing transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his attacking options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The report further states that Manchester United’s opening bid of €60 million (plus bonuses) has been turned down by the Portuguese giants, who value him in the region of €70 million. Nonetheless, the Red Devils wish to continue the pursuit with an improved second offer for the 22-year-old forward.
However, Manchester United will have to act swiftly if they intend to secure his services, as Porto are willing to let only one more of their stars leave the club this summer. Luis Diaz joined Liverpool in January, while Fabio Vieira has agreed upon a deal to join Arsenal in the coming days – so only one of Vitinha (being pursued by Paris Saint-Germain) or Evanilson will be allowed to leave.
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The Primeira Liga striker is in no hurry to depart Estadio Do Dragao as he believes he must evolve at Porto to reach the top level.
“I like English football. I really like English football,” Evanilson said in an interview with Lance published this week.
“I’m at a good level in my career, but I’m not at a top-level.
“I have a lot to evolve. But that’s what I work for. If any big team comes… I will try to do my best at FC Porto. I will work hard to be prepared to the fullest.”
Having come through the ranks at Brazilian side Fluminense, Evanilson joined FC Porto from Tombense in September 2020 for a fee in the region of £8 million. It would be an understatement to say that the U-23 Brazilian international enjoyed a brilliant 2021/22 season under Sergio Conceicao’s stewardship – scoring twenty-one goals and assisting five more in 45 appearances across all competitions.
Besides, he managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board the last term as he averaged 2.1 shots, 0.7 key passes, 0.6 dribbles, and 0.7 tackles per ninety minutes in the Portuguese top-flight. With fourteen goals in thirty Primeira Liga appearances, the number 30 played an integral role in Porto’s quest for their league win and cup double. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.18, he established himself as one of Europe’s most admired strikers in the past season.
Should Manchester United Continue The Chase?
Given his age and quality, the Brazilian star would be the perfect long-term addition to Manchester United’s front line. Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, cannot be deployed in the lone striker role week in and week out, but the Reds Devils struggle to convert their chances when the Portugal international is not on the pitch. Signing someone of Evanilson’s profile would improve the team’s conversion rate while adding quality depth to the attack.
Although it’s hard to predict how he would perform in the Premier League, Manchester United should not be timid about their efforts to secure his signature, especially given that Liverpool recently invested £67 million on a player of similar calibre.
(Stats from WhoScored)
