Transfer Rumour: Manchester United considering £20 million move for Diego Godin

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a £20 million move to sign Atletico Madrid’s world-class defender in the January transfer window

If a report by Daily Star is to be believed, Manchester United have reignited their interest in Uruguay and Atletico Madrid captain Diego Godin ahead of the January transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights are lining up a £20 million move to land the world-class defender in the winter.

Godin has been one of the stalwarts of Spanish club football for the better part of the last decade or so, having come into his own at Atletico Madrid. Over the last eight years or so, the Uruguayan international has progressed leaps and bounds, and is now widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

His progress at the club has also seen manager Diego Simeone hand Godin the armband on a permanent basis following the departure of Atletico Madrid. But, the 32-year-old could soon be on his way out of the Wanda Metropolitano, with Manchester United hot in his pursuit.

The Red Devils, in fact, hold a long-standing interest in Godin, having also attempted to sign him in the summer transfer window. But, a move eventually failed to materialise, with Manchester United not managing to sign any centre-back, despite Jose Mourinho’s insistence that a world-class defender was the need of the hour at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United boss has since been vindicated, with his side being highly susceptible at the back so far this term. In fact, the 21 goals they have conceded is the most at this stage of a Premier League season, and it is widely accepted that a world-class centre-back would help immensely.

To that end, Manchester United have been linked with a number of defenders recently, with Godin being the latest in the long list of targets. The Atletico Madrid captain though, is seemingly the most practical of targets for the Red Devils, for some good reasons.

The 32-year-old will bring years of experience to the table, while his leadership abilities could be the perfect foil for someone like Victor Lindelof, who has improved significantly this season but still shows some pitfalls in his game.

To sweeten the deal, Godin has been a pivotal part of one of the meanest defences in European football, something that could also happen at Manchester United. Additionally, the fact that Godin did not sign a new deal with Atletico Madrid upon snubbing the Red Devils makes him an economical option.

With less than 12 months remaining on his current deal with Los Rojiblancos, Manchester United will only have to shell out £20 million to land him, provided they persuade him to make the move. A move in the January transfer window is thus, certainly in the offing, and it remains to be seen if Godin makes his way to Old Trafford in the winter.