Manchester United is keeping an eye on Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast in anticipation of the January transfer window, as reported by CaughtOffside.
The Red Devils are said to be contemplating a bid for the Belgium international, having sent scouts in recent weeks to assess Debast’s performance closely.
United may challenge Sporting’s determination with an initial offer of approximately €40m (£35m) at the beginning of the year and are among several Premier League teams interested in Debast.
Both Arsenal and Aston Villa are also thought to be fans of the 21-year-old centre-back, who has a release clause set at €80m (£69m).
Ruben Amorim is familiar with Debast from their shared time at Sporting, having acquired the defender from Anderlecht in the summer of 2024, and could play a significant role in facilitating the transfer.
Man United Eyeing Zeno Debast
According to CaughtOffside, Amorim’s knowledge of Debast may be crucial in Manchester United’s possible pursuit, although Sporting holds a strong position in negotiations.
The Belgium international is contracted until the summer of 2029, and 15% of his next transfer fee is owed to his previous club, Anderlecht.
Debast is also attracting interest from several Champions League clubs, with Borussia Dortmund and Napoli reportedly among the contenders.
There is a prevailing sentiment that the level of interest could ignite a bidding war in January, following Debast’s remarkable first year in Portugal.
The 21-year-old defender, lauded as a ‘colossus’, made 48 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, netting two goals and providing four assists, while aiding Sporting in securing both the league and cup double.
Manchester United was one of the Premier League’s highest spenders this summer, having invested over £200 million in strengthening Amorim’s squad.
The Red Devils added a trio of forwards – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko – along with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who arrived on transfer deadline day.
United was also active in player departures, selling both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho on permanent transfers, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Rasmus Hojlund were loaned out.
Andre Onana is expected to be the latest player to leave this week, as he nears a loan move to Turkish club Trabzonspor.
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