How Jackson Martinez hasn’t been snapped up by a big European club is beyond me. Surely he’s too good to stay in the Primeira Liga for much longer? Why isn’t he being eyed by Real Madrid? Why aren’t Barcelona sniffing around? Manchester United have a history for attracting the best attacking talent in the world. Shouldn’t they be circling this Colombian sensation?
Well, hold the phone. According to The Metro, Manchester United are scouting Jackson Martinez ahead of a potential summer move.
The source suggests that Louis Van Gaal sent a scout to watch Martinez during FC Porto’s 2-0 win over Moreirense. As you might expect, he found his way onto the score sheet and impressed with his all round play. In fact, he’s scored 25 goals in 29 appearances this season. The man’s a force of nature and he’s got one of the best strike-rates in Europe.
But he’s not a one season wonder by any means. He’s now played 120 games for FC Porto and he’s scored 85 goals. He’s efficient and he’s consistent. If Manchester United don’t snap him up, then somebody else will.
The aforementioned source claims that ‘Tottenham are the front runners’ for Martinez’s signature. I have to say, I find this a little hard to believe. Spurs just can’t compete with clubs like Manchester United in the transfer market. Besides, wouldn’t signing a player like Jackson Martinez be a serious impediment on Harry Kane’s progression? At 21-years-old, Kane needs all the game-time and the backing he can get.
The Metro claim that he’s available for around £27.5m. That kind of figure should be well within Manchester United’s financial reach, particularly if they opt against signing Radamel Falcao on a long-term deal.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see how Louis Van Gaal plays this one. My feeling is that The Dutchman can’t afford to let this man go any where else. If that means spending big on him, then so be it.
What’s your take? Is Jackson Martinez the perfect summer addition for Manchester United?
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