In a recent report, Portuguese news outlet A Bola has mentioned that FC Porto full-back Alex Telles has opened the door to joining Manchester United during this summer transfer period. It is believed that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the Brazilian defender after falling short in their attempts to sign Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon, who is close to signing for Tottenham Hotspur (via A Bola).
Telles’ Incredible Form In European Football Last Season
The 27-year-old was in the form of his life in the previous campaign when he was quite productive with his contributions in the attacking third under the stewardship of Sérgio Conceição. The Brazilian left-back found the back of the net on 13 occasions and provided 12 assists in 49 appearances for Porto last season across all fronts.
Telles managed to make a positive impression at both ends of the field after averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.3 shots, 1.8 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the 2019-20 Liga NOS season. His numbers went up in Europe where he averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.6 shots, 2.6 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in the UEFA Europa League. The Brazilian sensation even distributed the ball carefully from the left flank as he completed 80.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
If Telles can figure out a way to maintain such high numbers in the Premier League, then he could turn out to be a clever signing for the Red Devils this summer. Both Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams struggled to discover consistency with their performances at the Theatre of Dreams over the past year. Hence, the Porto star will be a significant upgrade over them if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ends up orchestrating a move to land the player before the transfer deadline next month.
What Will The Brazilian Full-Back Bring To Old Trafford?
Telles has decent pace under his belt that helps him make a few clever runs down the left-wing. Also, he is a terrific defender when left isolated in a 1v1 footrace with his marker inside his half. The left-back has proven his worth as a decent interceptor of the ball and is always willing to make up a lot of ground to clear his lines when teammates are getting stretched by the opposition at the back.
The Brazilian has scored and created his fair share of goals in the final third that has raised his stock in European football. At 27, he is currently playing at his prime so Solskjaer will have the chance to get the best out of him if he decides to get a deal over the line for him this summer.
Telles will add plenty of pace, goals and creativity to the Man United first-team and could serve as an above-average defender at Old Trafford as well. Plus, the Brazilian might also end up helping the Red Devils close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City at the pinnacle of English football in the years to come.
