According to the Daily Star, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United is reportedly set to rival premier League rivals Chelsea for the signature of Portugal and Sporting Lisbon star Joao Mario this summer transfer window.
Judging by the sort of transfers Manchester United have completed so far this summer, it is obvious Jose Mourinho is preparing to make an assault on the Premier League next season. And the Portuguese is not yet done with signings. According to reports, the Red Devils have joined Chelsea in the race to secure the signature Joao Mario from the Portuguese league.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder who despite been only 23, has 18 caps for is country Portugual, he was part of the winning team fo the just concluded European Championship in France. Last season he found the net seven times and provided 12 assists in 45 games.
He joined the Portuguese club at age 11, and after his stellar performance at the European Champions, it is not a surprise that the big guns both in England and in Europe are been linked with his signing. According to reports, Mario is valued at £33m, and he is thought to have a £51m release clause in his Sporting Lisbon contract.
It is not clear whether Sporting will let him go for £33m or ask for his full release clause to be paid, but although he is a very good player, I personally do not think he is worth the £51 million in his release clause.
Should Chelsea and Manchester United be truly keen on signing him, I believe either club can get the Portuguese to lower their demand, especially if the player himself wants to leave.
But who needs him among the two chasing clubs?
Definitely it is Chelsea who needs Joao Mario the most. If Manchester United signs Pogba, they will have no need for a midfielder like the Portuguese which frees the way for Chelsea. He will be a massive upgrade on Chelsea’s Oscar.
