Why Emerson Royal would be a good signing for Manchester United
According to Fichajes (h/t Express), Manchester United have set their sights on Emerson Royal. The Red Devils are planning to add cover to their right-back position and provide some competition to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Profile
Emerson Royal represented Palmeiras, Sao Paulo and Gremio at the youth level before joining Ponte Preta’s academy in 2015. He made his professional debut in the Brazilian top-flight during the 2017 campaign and was eventually transferred to Atletico Mineiro in 2018.
The right-back made 23 appearances for Mineiro before moving to Spain as a part of a co-ownership deal between Barcelona and Real Betis in January 2019. Both clubs paid £5.25million for his services and Emerson has since plied his trade on loan at Betis. As a part of the agreement, Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently for an additional £5.25m in 2021.
The 21-year-old only made 7 appearances for Betis during the latter half of the 2018-19 season before establishing himself as a key player at the Spanish club in the following campaign. Emerson registered 3 goals and 6 assists in 33 La Liga outings for Betis last term. He has started 7 out of the club’s 10 opening fixtures so far this season.
Emerson has represented Brazil at U-20 and U-23 levels, winning the 2019 Toulon Tournament with the latter. The right-back’s impressive rise in Spain earned him a senior international debut in a friendly against South Korea last year.
Emerson can be a good second option for Manchester United
The main reason Manchester United want to sign a right-back over the next two windows is to provide some competition and cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Another reason is to have a more attacking option than him. For all of Wan-Bissaka’s defensive expertise, he leaves a lot to be desired in the final third.
The club is looking at Emerson for the right reasons. He is an attack-minded fullback and constantly provides something in the final third. The Brazilian international has progressed by leaps and bounds since moving to Europe and ticks the box as a talented young player with loads of potential.
He is already a regular starter for a top-ten club in the La Liga, while his impressive goal contribution last season lies testament to his reputation as an attacking full-back.
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Emerson looks ready to make the transition to the Premier League after making significant strides in his development in Spain. He still has his best years ahead of him at 21 and would inject some much-needed offensive capability to Manchester United’s backline.
