Alex Telles can have a similar impact on Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes
With FC Porto’s Alex Telles available for transfer for just 25 million euros this window, a queue of clubs were expected to be lining up to secure the signing of one of the greatest left backs in all of world football.
However, with Sevilla opting to sign Marcos Acuna and Tottenham securing a move for Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon, the potential suitors for Alex Telles have reduced considerably, and there now currently appears to be just three clubs considering a move for the Brazilian international: Manchester United, PSG and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid are perhaps the least likely destination, with Porto offering Telles to the Spanish club in a bid to bring Hector Herrera back to Portugal - though it is unclear whether Madrid are even interested in the player. But both Man Utd and PSG are looking for a left back this season, and Telles is on each of the outfit’s shortlists.
PSG’s desire for a leftback comes after Juan Bernat suffered a long-term injury, and a replacement for their left-sided defender is a priority for them this window. They may look for a more short-term solution than Telles, however.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are looking to bolster their squad this window, with Alex Telles their main target signing at this current point in time - and it is an absolute no-brainer that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side should be making every effort to sign the 27-year old.
A talisman from left back
The signing of Bruno Fernandes completely revolutionised a Manchester United side that were faultering so considerably before his arrival. The Portuguese midfielder almost single-handedly led Manchester United to a top 4 finish - and a Champions League berth - that looked virtually impossible only a matter of days before his arrival.
There is therefore a well-known precedent for players that ‘only’ play in the Portuguese Primeira Liga being a great success in the English top flight, while Manchester United have a track record of signing players from the Portuguese league - and Telles can, and should, be the next.
As the perfect modern-day fullback, Telles offers the desirable offensive capabilities that are required to be deemed a major success, posessing the energy to bomb up and down the flank with great regularity on the overlap and able to deliver an excellent cross into the box from both corners and open play.
This is illustrated by his exceptional statistics throughout his time at FC Porto, grabbing 56 assists - and an incredible 26 goals - in 193 appearances for the club since 2016. He is, from left back, such an influential member of the team, and was crucial in helping Porto to an unlikely Primeira Liga triumph last season.
Defensively he is also very competent; while it is his attacking endeavour that makes him such a quality fullback, he will be able to offer sufficient defensive cover to improve his side not only in the attacking third, but defensively too.
There is a point to be made that the signing of Telles would be just as significant as the signing of Bruno Fernandes, having already proven that he can lead his side to victory even from his deep starting position. He will offer additional offensive power to United, while also offering further solidity at the back.
Just 25 million euros for a player that could have such a far-reaching impact on any club he plays for is a massive coup, and would be the type of signing that can take United to a new level in a similar manner to Bruno Fernandes.
