We heard rumors for the last two seasons linking Manchester United with Benfica player Nicolas Gaitan. Well it looks like this transfer rumor is about to come true as Portuguese journalist Goncalo Lopes says that United have finally landed the winger.
The 27-year-old Gaitan has become a creative machine at Benfica over the past few years and offers superb threat down the left wing, and will improve Manchester United’s attack considerably.
The Red Devils are set to pay £21.2 million for Gaitan whose arrival would then start speculation over the future of Angel Di Maria, who plays in the same position as the Benfica man. Di Maria, too, made his name playing on the wing for Benfica and looks likely to possibly make way after a disappointing first season.
The arrival of Gaitan would seem to also indicate that Adnan Januzaj is not in van Gaal’s plans for next season, meaning that we can expect to see him sent out on loan in August.
What does the signing of Gaitan, and the arrival of Memphis Depay from PSV say about United’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale? I cannot see Van Gaal buying three wingers in one transfer window, and I wonder if this is an indication from United that the Bale deal is not going to happen?
Looking ahead to the season, if van Gaal sticks with a 4-2-3-1 format he has the option of playing Juan Mata or Di Maria in the central of an attacking three with Gaitan and Depay on the wings and Wayne Rooney up front. That is an attacking foursome as good as anyone has in the Premier League.
What do you think of the deal?
