Mount in trouble as Man Utd target Fernandes replacement

Cameron Smith

23 Sep 2024 04:30 CDT
3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing RB Salzburg youngster Oscar Gloukh as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes.

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Gloukh, 20, has impressed since moving to Austria from his boyhood club Maccabi Tel Aviv in January 2023 and he has now emerged as a transfer target for Erik ten Hag’s side, according to Fussball.News.

The Israel international has three goals and two assists in four league matches so far this season, and FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal have scouted the 20-year-old on several occasions over the past 12 months.

Barcelona and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Gloukh, but Man Utd appear to be the frontrunners as things stand.

The Red Devils are reportedly in the market for a long-term Fernandes replacement, with Eberechi Eze among their targets for 2025.

Fernandes is now 30 years old and while he remains Man Utd captain and a key part of the Red Devils’ squad, the club are seemingly planning for a possible departure.

The Portuguese international signed a contract extension in August, but he has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League for several months and interest from the Middle East could be rekindled next year.

Gloukh’s current contract with RB Salzburg is due to expire in 2027, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €13.9 million.

Mason Mount in trouble?

The signing of Mason Mount for a whopping €64.2m in 2023 looks like a major error in hindsight, especially as he only had one year left on his Chelsea deal at the time.

The ex-England international has missed 31 games through injury since moving to Man Utd last summer, while he has only registered one goal and one assist in 23 Red Devils appearances.

With Ten Hag’s side reportedly targeting a move for Gloukh, it may signal that Mount’s place as Fernandes’ successor is already under threat.