Man Utd learn how close €16m summer target was to completing move

16 Sept 2026 14:59 BST | 3 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Barcelona were keen to sign Manchester United-linked Jorge Salinas this summer but baulked at the left-back’s release clause, according to reports in Spain.

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Mundo Deportivo claims the La Liga giants were willing to sign the Racing Santander defender for between €5million and €6m (£4.2m and £5.1m).

However, Racing insisted any club wanting to sign Salinas would need to trigger the €16m (£13.7m) release clause in his contract.

Atletico Madrid were given the same message after they proposed signing the 19-year-old for a fee rising to €15m (£12.85m) with add-ons.

Spain Under-19 international Salinas has made 42 appearances for Racing, helping the club secure promotion to La Liga last season.

He played the full 90 minutes in their first five league fixtures this season, registering an assist in the 2-1 win over Alaves on Saturday.

BBC Sport reported on transfer deadline in England (1 September) that United were not willing to pursue a deal for Salinas.

The Red Devils instead made a late attempt to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri but an agreement could not be reached with rivals Manchester City.

Man City were willing to let the 25-year-old leave on loan as long as an obligation-to-buy clause was included in a prospective deal - a demand United rejected.

United were linked with several other left-backs this summer including Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and RB Leipzig’s David Raum.

However, United ultimately fell short in their attempts to strengthen at left-back - a task they are expected to revisit in subsequent transfer windows.

United want new left-back to succeed Shaw

United remain keen to sign a younger left-back to succeed Luke Shaw, who turned 31 in July and has just one year left on his contract.

Shaw joined United from Southampton for a reported €34.9m (£30m) in June 2014, becoming the most expensive teenager in world football at the time.

The England international has registered five goals and 31 assists in 328 appearances for United, winning three honours including the 2017 Europa League.

United are looking to return to winning ways when they entertain Brighton and Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford this evening.

They have won just one of their opening four games of the new Premier League season and were beaten 1-0 by ten-man Man City in Sunday’s derby.