FC Porto striker Evanilson has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United.
Evanilson, 24, arrived at FC Porto from Brazilians Tombense in 2020 and enjoyed his finest season in Portugal this term, bagging 24 goals and six assists in 41 games. He has played a big part in helping his team reach the Taca de Portugal final, where FC Porto will face Sporting CP later this month. The Brazilian under-23 international has been outshone in the Liga NOS’ Golden Boot race by Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
The 24-year-old’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of Manchester United, who are planning to recruit a striker in the forthcoming summer transfer window. The Red Devils ended their Premier League campaign in a disappointing eighth spot, leaving Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club uncertain.
Despite talented attackers such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, they struggled for goals. They finished their league campaign on Sunday with a -1 goal difference.
Manchester United want to sign an experienced striker
As a team, Manchester United scored only 57 goals in 38 league games. They splashed a lot of money to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last summer, and while he has shown potential and bagged 16 goals across all competitions in his debut season, the lack of a potent goalscorer who can finish off chances ruthlessly week in, and week out has let Ten Hag’s side down.
Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes scored 10 goals each and are the only Man United players to reach double figures, which shows the Red Devils’ weaknesses up top. Under new co-owners INEOS, the 20-time English champions are likely to move for a new frontman this summer as Anthony Martial’s release upon the expiry of his contract next month will leave Hojlund as the only centre-forward in the squad.
FC Porto’s Evanilson has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The Brazilian’s goals helped Porto finish third in the Liga NOS table. However, he could leave Estadio Dragao before his current team’s European adventure commences. Evanilson’s superb form in Portugal has attracted plenty of attention and Porto may decide to sell their star striker this summer for a big profit.
The Brazilian under-23 international could prove to be a quality acquisition for Man United, adding goals, pace, physicality and creativity to the side. Signing a striker like Evanilson who is coming off the back of his finest season in Porto colours will only help improve the Red Devils’ squad. Also, the Fortaleza-born ace would be a good option to cover and mentor Hojlund.
However, Evanilson will not come cheap as his current deal at Porto runs until 2027 and has a £85.6 million release clause. Signing him will need Man United to break the bank, so it will be interesting to see whether INEOS make a statement in their first transfer window as new co-owners.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
