Man Utd open talks to sign Ronaldo's 'brother'

Cameron Smith

11 Nov 2024 07:15 CST
3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, Man Utd, 2023 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have opened talks to sign Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda, according to reports in Spain.

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The 17-year-old has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough onto the senior stage so far this season and he is now being monitored by a host of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Man Utd are also interested in signing the teenager in 2025 as they look to reunite Quenda with his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, who is now in charge at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have reportedly initiated contact with Quenda’s representatives in a bid to acquire his services, but Man Utd have now opened talks with Sporting as they look to gauge the possibility of a transfer next summer, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Quenda has featured prominently as a right-wing-back so far this term, and he has registered two goals and two assists in 18 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25.

The 17-year-old, who Cristiano Ronaldo recently described as a “brother”, reportedly has a release clause worth €100 million in his current Sporting CP contract, which is due to expire in 2027.

I saw the new boy, 17 years old, Quenda. I went to him and said: 'So, have you recovered from the game?' I saw that he was embarrassed. I don't say I'm a father, but an older brother.

- Cristiano Ronaldo in September

Ruben Amorim rules out Sporting swoop in January

While Man Utd are interested in signing Quenda and his fellow Sporting CP stars Viktor Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio, Amorim has confirmed he will not raid his former club during the January transfer window.

The 39-year-old recently admitted: “I will not sign any Sporting player at Man United in January… then, what happens in the summer I don't know.

© IMAGO - Man Utd are interested in signing Geovany Quenda

“Sporting players are good players,” he added. “We will see what happens.”

Amorim will officially start his duties at Man Utd when his UK work permit application is approved and his first game in charge of the Red Devils will be against Ipswich Town after the November international break.