Premier League
Manchester United has set its sights on Manchester United to sign Zeno Debast, a 21-year-old Belgian center-back who currently plays for Sporting CP and is an old acquaintance of Ruben Amorim.
The board believes that his arrival would be key to strengthening the defense in January, as coach Ruben Amorim wants more options in a back three that he has consistently used this season.
Zeno Debast, a growing center-back
Zeno Debast is one of the most promising young defenders in European football. At just 21 years old, he has solidified his place in the Sporting CP starting lineup, playing a crucial role in winning the Portuguese championship last season.
The center-back has over 60 official matches with the Lisbon club, and his contract extends until 2029. Portugoal described him as a player "increasingly solid, proving to be worth the price paid for him."
His performance has earned him a call-up to the Belgium national team, where he has already played in European Championship and Nations League qualification matches.
Manchester United's plan
Manchester United's interest in Debast is not coincidental. The current squad includes names like De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and the injured Lisandro Martínez, who will only return in 2026. Due to these limitations, Amorim has had to improvise with players like Mazraoui or Luke Shaw in defense, a solution deemed unsustainable in the long run.
Therefore, the English club is considering making an offer close to 40 million euros. Although Debast's release clause is 80 million, Sporting could negotiate a lower price due to the obligation to pay 15% of any resale to Anderlecht, his former club.
Competition in the Premier League and Europe
Manchester United is not the only interested party. Arsenal has also sent scouts to Portugal to closely monitor Debast, while Aston Villa includes him in their list of potential signings.
Outside England, teams like Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are keeping an eye on his progress, though Newcastle, who had shown interest in the past, has reduced their interest.
The role of Ruben Amorim, who previously coached him at Sporting, could be decisive. His past experience with Debast gives him the authority to endorse a signing that would represent a significant future investment.
A hot January on the market
With a contract until 2029, Sporting CP holds the upper hand in negotiations, but the growing interest from Premier League clubs could spark a battle in January.
United aims to enhance their defense, with Zeno Debast being a top priority. If Amorim approves, the operation could accelerate within weeks, solidifying one of the most promising defenders on the continent at Old Trafford.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Manchester United quiere fichar a Zeno Debast, viejo conocido de Amorim
