Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, with manager Louis van Gaal desperate to sign an experienced and commanding central defender to boost his team’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
The Red Devils were reported to have made a £27 million bid in January for the Argentine, only for Valencia to reject the offer. The Spanish team is keen on retaining the services of the 27-year-old to boost the chances of finishing the current La Liga campaign as high as possible.
With Los Che keeping 11 clean sheets in the league this season, conceding just 23 goals in 30 games, and on course for their highest finish in the division for three years, it is easy to see why they want to keep Otamendi. He has been outstanding in the back-line, averaging a tackle or interception every 15 minutes while contributing three goals on the other end.
While not the tallest centre-back, Otamendi has won 66% of his aerial duels, and has completed 86% of his short passes. With the defender lifting nine trophies with two of the five clubs he played for, his experience makes him ideal for Van Gaal. United currently have Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Marcos Rojo as the options at centre-back, but no clear leader at the back. Otamendi could be that man.
That United are reportedly willing to pay £27 million for a 27-year-old centre-back who spent most of his career outside Europe’s top 5 leagues shows just how desperate they are to ensure their defensive line is strengthened ahead of next season. They are likely to renew their interest in the summer, if other targets such as Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels are not signed.
Last summer, Manchester United bolstered their attacking options. This summer, the focus is on the defensive end. They may well be forced to pay over the odds for their man, however, with Sky Sports journalist Graham Hunter saying: “Manchester United’s interest in acquiring Otamendi is well established. Therefore, I would expect them to try to buy him in the summer. If they come in with £50 million then Valencia have a decision to make. It is better football sense for Valencia’s level to use the good players they have got to earn Champions League revenue.”
United could well be one of multiple sides interested in Otamendi if he is made available by Valencia. He is enjoying a great campaign, and could fill the defensive void at a host of top European clubs.
