Ex-Manchester United striker Louis Saha claims that his former club should have considered making a bid for Dani Olmo prior to his move to Barcelona.
The Spanish playmaker had a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract, but he ultimately ended up leaving RB Leipzig for a return to his homeland. Speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said that the Red Devils need more players like Bruno Fernandes in their squad who can make the difference in the final third of the pitch:
“I would’ve loved to see Dani Olmo join before he moved to Barcelona. He is already proving that he can score goals and provide assists. These are the type of players that are needed.”
“We let Jadon Sancho go, he was sitting on the bench and didn’t get any chances whatsoever. The transfers have been good – particularly defensively. I am very pleased with the three signings at the back. They are good signings but there is no player that is there to make the players around them play better.”
United were not among those pursuing the midfielder earlier this summer
In addition to Barcelona, it was reported that Manchester City and Chelsea were monitoring Olmo’s situation at Leipzig.
However, there were never any strong links to United, which suggests that a transfer to Old Trafford wasn’t a realistic possibility.
Olmo is too similar to Fernandes and Mount
While the Spanish international is undoubtedly an excellent player, it’s hard to see where he would have fitted into United’s starting lineup.
Olmo can play as a No.10 or out wide, but ten Hag already has players such as Fernandes or Mason Mount who can play in similar positions.
You could argue that, due to Mount’s recent injury record, a move for Olmo could have been considered, but the recruitment department clearly felt there were more important areas to strengthen.
