Recent reports from Spanish media outlet AS suggest that Manchester United are keeping tabs on 17-year-old Valencia winger Fabio Blanco, with the club interested in signing the player once he turns 18 next year.
The report further states that La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently leading the race for the youngster’s signature; however, Juventus and AC Milan have also knocked on Fabio’s door in recent months.
What’s So Special About Him?
Compared to ex-Valencia star Ferran Torres, various reports claim that Fabio Blanco could be the ‘next big thing’ in Spanish football. Furthermore, coaches who have worked with him in the youth years believe that his technical abilities are unparalleled, and if he continues to excel at the current rate, he’d soon fulfil his enormous potential.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are fully aware of his abilities, and as a result, they are heavily interested in signing him for their respective ‘B’ teams. Barcelona’s sporting director Mateu Alemany has known Fabio for years following his time at Mestalla, which might end up swinging things in their favour. On the other hand, Los Blancos are expected to make desperate efforts in order to sign the youngster after discarding Pedri in 2018.
Should Solskjaer Go In For Him
The board’s investment in youth players has skyrocketed over the past year or so – with Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo, Shola Shoretire and several others making a strong case of breaking into the starting eleven. This past summer, United signed Charlie McNeill from City, Joe Hugill and Logan Pye from Sunderland.
While the club deserves massive credit for the signings, one cannot deny that the further signing of players in such numbers would only hinder the development of the existing youngsters.
Nonetheless, there’s still some time before Blanco takes the final decision, and until then, Solskjaer should definitely keep an eye on his overall development.
