Man Utd show ‘sudden interest’ in ‘new Moises Caicedo’

Robin Bairner

• 4 Jan 2024 11:28 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are ready to battle Brighton for teenaged Ecuadorian talent who is being described as the “new Moises Caicedo” in the corridors of Old Trafford.

LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano is the player who has caught the attention of the two Premier League clubs, who are courting the 19-year-old for a possible transfer, according to respected journalist Christian Martin.

The teenager has played 48 times for Quito’s first team, with the defensive midfielder scoring one goal and creating one more in that period.

As a defensive midfielder, he has been likened to compatriot Caicedo, who left Brighton to sign for Chelsea in a €116 million deal in the summer.

Data analytics experts SciSports indicate that Zambrano’s strengths lie in his passing and ball retention, while his defensive positioning is seen as a strong point at the other end of the field.

Oscar Zambrano to Man Utd this January?

Man Utd’s interest in the player is described as “sudden”, suggesting that he is a player that new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford have pinpointed as a potential transfer target.

Supporters hoping that a deal might be done for the Ecuadorian might get done in January will be left disappointed, though.

Zambrano is not eligible for a work permit for the UK and is not a player whose status can be appealed.

As such, if Man Utd really want to sign the player, they will have to wait until this changes. Zambrano will need to play more regularly for Quito to become eligible for a UK work permit while making his international debut would also aim his cause.

Zambrano has previously caught the attention of Ajax, where he enjoyed a trial in 2022.