Manchester United are now in talks to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz in the summer transfer window.
That’s according to a report from Calcio Napoli 24 who claim that Manchester United have contracted Ruiz and Napoli are ‘irritated’ with the Spaniard because they believe he is angling for a move away from Naples.
And it now seems as though the Red Devils have expedited their interest in signing the 15-capped Spain international.
He is valued at around €45 million (£38 million) by Napoli according to Calcio Mercato, but considering the fact that he has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Italian club surely won’t get anything like that kind of fee.
Central midfield is the area at Old Trafford where Erik ten Hag needs to strengthen the most this summer. And with deals for Frenkie de Jong and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic proving difficult, Ruiz would be a very solid alternative.
Manchester United eyeing Fabian Ruiz swoop
Ten Hag is on the hunt for a top-class player to come in and replace Paul Pogba. It seems as though the Napoli ace is firmly on the Dutchman’s radar this summer.
Ruiz has been compared to Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi by The Coaches Voice. Whilst he might not be at the same level as Xavi, he certainly possesses similar traits.
Ruiz can operate in an orthodox central midfield role or the deep-lying position. He can even play further forward in a more attacking role.
Last season, Ruiz bagged seven goals and five assists in 38 games for Napoli. He is an intelligent footballer and a very good passer of the ball with exceptional technique and impressive vision.
In 32 Serie A appearances for Napoli last season, the Spaniard made 67.9 passes per match and recorded a hugely impressive completion rate of 90.5%. He would be a strong addition to ten Hag’s ranks at Old Trafford.
The comparisons with Xavi come from the way in which he waits until the last possible moment before releasing his passes. That attribute would be a huge asset for United. Erik ten Hag has a huge rebuild on his hands at Manchester United and we think that the addition of Fabian Ruiz would be a very smart move for the club.
