Dre_00 said:
Latest rumor is Upamecano.
https://soccer.nbcsports.com/2020/08/31/upamecano-to-manchester-united-transfer-news
I think I've seen him play all of one time but people that know a lot more about soccer than I do rate him quit highly. And a $71 million release clause for a 21 year old CB is not bad at all.
Leipzig have made 2 big transfer sales since I started following them: Keita and Werner. When Keita happened, I was glad the get the money. I'm very disappointed to see Werner leave but obviously understand. I'd be sad to see Upamecano leave as well, but not as much as with Werner.
We just gave him the same kind of contract extension that Werner got last summer, which is basically designed to prevent a free transfer next year, but has a vanishing release clause to easily let the player move on next year (I.e. it'll be more expensive to buy him this summer or winter than it will be next summer).
Physically he's amazingly gifted. If you can rewatch the Leipzig - Atletico game you'll see him at his best. But I've also seen him make some boneheaded choices. But given how young he is, it's not surprising. He got better for us as the year went on. In the fall he was a bit rough trying to learn our new coach's system.
You'll need good ball-winning midfielders or straight up DMs who are comfortable dropping back to cover because he loves to dribble and bring the ball forward when presented an opportunity. And he's really good at it, and it's both awesome yet frightening to behold. Maybe y'all would reign that in more but if he has freedom, he'll do it often. I enjoy watching the way he plays.
Overall, I'll be sad to see him go, but given the contract we gave him, his skill, and our lack of stature as a club, that's basically a foregone conclusion. I'd rate this deal as a win-win for both clubs if it happens this summer... we'll get extra cash that we really need to lock up some deals in positions we actually need more (we've got good CB depth), and you'll get first dibs on a great player who'll be highly coveted next year when the clause drops.