United ready to close deal for Licha 2.0 soon, it would be a massive coup – report

Manchester United focused on strengthening up top instead of at the back following the disaster that was the 2024/25 campaign. It was decided that a centre-back would join once the current season concluded, with the futures of several stars up in the air. Harry Maguire’s contract is up in the summer, while Matthijs de Ligt’s injury record makes for grim reading. What the Red Devils really need is a left-footed profile, someone who can eventually succeed Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw as the left-sided centre-back. Defender needed The Argentine has been linked with an exit, while criticism continues to grow against him. And as per El Crack Deportivo, United have zeroed in on his compatriot as the perfect backup. River Plate’s Lautaro Rivero has emerged as an option for the 20-time English league champions, and they intend to sign him in the summer. The Argentine giants are aware of United’s interest in the 22-year-old, and have therefore slapped a €100 million release clause into his contract. River do not want to lose the Argentina international on the cheap, amid interest from Strasbourg, Tottenham, City Football Group, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid. “Manchester United intend to secure the services of Lautaro Rivero, a key player in Gallardo’s squad. United have found Lisandro Martinez’s successor “River Plate made Rivero sign a €100 million release clause, so if they want to sign him, they must pay a figure close to that amount.” Rivero is already an Argentina international, and could be on the plane to the US for the World Cup if he continues performing as he has. He has made 18 appearances for the River Plate first team and can play both in central defence and as a left-back. Described as an “elite” ball-playing defender, it will be interesting to see if United can get a deal for another South American talent over the line. However, it is likely to be for a fee much lesser than what is being quoted in the report. Feature image Hernan Cortez via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25