BREAKING NEWS: I’m not asking for too much but He’s the only player that can salvage us from this champions league trophy dreams,If we can get him then we’ll definitely win it next season”, Bruno Fernandez begs the board to sign this particular player this summer as He sees Him as the only missing piece to secure Champions League dream
Manchester United have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Lokomotiv Moscow attacking midfielder Aleksey Batrakov. The Red Devils are looking ahead to a busy summer transfer window and the 20 year old Russian is reportedly among the candidates on their radar.
The English giants have switched to a youth-based transfer strategy in recent times and have subsequently signed some of the world’s most talented youngsters. Meanwhile, having also upgraded their attack last summer, United enjoyed a resurgent run from the beginning of the year to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League.
That achievement has earned them a return to the Champions League after a gap of two years. The Red Devils are preparing to take part in the new format of the tournament for the first time and are wary of the fixture congestion that awaits them next season.
As such, despite investing over £200 million in their front line last year, the Premier League giants are back in the market for further firepower. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that they have been convinced by young Batrakov.
UK sanctions put United on the back foot
Batrakov rose through the ranks at the Moscow-based club before earning promotion to the senior side in 2024. The 20 year old has since cemented his place in the starting XI and is now one of the stars of the first team.
This season, the Russian has registered 17 goals and 12 assists in 36 games, forcing clubs across the continent to take note.
Batrakov is an intelligent playmaker with an eye for goal and fits the profile of young, exciting footballers with a high ceiling that INEOS have targeted of late. The previous report from TPP outlined that United, Manchester City and Chelsea are among the player’s suitors. However, it adds that UK sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine war make it next to impossible for English clubs to secure a deal.
That had opened the door for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to take advantage, with the player’s agent also confirming that a move to the Parc des Princes has a 95% chance of happening this summer. However, a contrasting update has now emerged that could provide United with a lifeline in this race.
PSG end Batrakov pursuit
According to Le Parisien, PSG have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Batrakov. The report states: “Among the players under consideration in recent weeks is Alexei Batrakov. The Russian attacking midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow has been scouted on several occasions by Luis Campos, who has taken the time to analyse his development.”
The report states that the Parisians’ football advisor Campos has decided against the move, adding: “Despite the interest shown in him, the matter is unlikely to go any further. Having assessed the situation, PSG do not intend to pursue this lead and are currently prioritising other options to strengthen the squad.”
Final Thoughts
United have to put succession plans in place for Bruno Fernandes, who will turn 32 in September this year. Batrakov could be an option to replace the mercurial Portuguese at the Theatre of Dreams, although securing his signature will be tough due to the UK sanctions.
However, PSG’s exit from the race provides United with time to explore alternative avenues to get a deal done. The Red Devils should continue with the groundwork to ensure that they are ready to take advantage if the situation takes a positive turn.