Manchester United are ready to trigger the release clause of Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas this summer, according to Sport.
Michael Carrick’s side have made a midfield rebuild their priority for the transfer window, and have brought in both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans alongside Karl Darlow and Tynan Thompson so far. But left-back is a position they are also keen to strengthen, with Luke Shaw in the final year of his contract.
Newcastle star Lewis Hall is the club’s top target, but it’s understood that the Magpies don’t want to sell and will make any negotiations difficult, and that as seen the Red Devils begin to look at alternative options.
Man Utd Eyeing Jorge Salinas
Salinas, who has been described as a ‘left-footed Sergio Ramos’, is capable of playing at both left-back and centre back, and has emerged as one of the top young Spanish defenders around.
FC Barcelona are understood to have a huge interest in the player too, but so far they are only willing to offer around €8m (£6.8m) to take him to the Camp Nou.
Salinas has a €16m (£13.6m) release clause in his contract, and United are understood to be willing to pay that fee to bring him to Old Trafford if they are unable to find an agreement with Newcastle for Hall.
It’s reported that Man Utd have ‘fully entered the fray for negotiations’, and they believe he is ready to enter the first-team picture immediately after watching him at the Under-19 European Championships last season.
Salinas is currently prioritising a move to Barcelona, but the transfer fee means they may not be able to pay enough to take him away from Racing Santander. The player has now returned to training, and this transfer could now accelerate in the coming days.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Left-Back a Priority for Man Utd
Luke Shaw shocked most people last season by not only playing well, but being able to stay fit for the entire season and he started every single Premier League game of the campaign.
But the 31-year-old is now in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and with a more busy schedule this season after the club returned to the Champions League, he will need cover and competition for his place.
The club need to future-proof the position, and Hall would be the ideal arrival. But with a deal difficult to complete, United are being smart by looking at alternatives who could come in and do the job.
