Atletico Madrid Intensifies Pursuit of Jorge Salinas
Atletico Madrid are accelerating their move for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas as they look to fend off growing interest from Manchester United.
The 19-year-old left-back has been on United’s radar for months. The Old Trafford club tracked him closely throughout last season as he helped Racing secure promotion to LaLiga, then doubled down on their scouting operation when he headed to the European Under-19 Championship in Wales this summer.
United scouts followed Spain’s campaign at close quarters, and Salinas did nothing to cool their interest. He played a central role in Spain’s run to the title, backing up the glowing reports already compiled on him.
That groundwork has now taken United to a decision point. Salinas is available for his €16million (£13.7m / $18.6m) release clause, a figure that rose sharply after Racing’s promotion. Barcelona had previously explored the idea of signing him as a long-term project, but stepped back when the buyout fee doubled.
Atletico, though, see something more immediate.
Atletico move with intent
The Madrid club are not viewing Salinas as a distant investment. They want him in their first-team squad now and, after sanctioning Matteo Ruggeri’s move to Aston Villa, have ramped up negotiations over the past month.
Sources indicate Atletico are fully aware that United have spoken to both Racing and the player’s camp. That knowledge has sharpened their urgency. The fear is clear: if United choose to act and formally trigger the clause, the Premier League pull could complicate Atletico’s plans.
So Atletico are pushing hard, trying to get a deal in place before the race opens up.
United weigh their left-back options
For United, Salinas is one piece of a wider puzzle at left-back rather than the sole focus.
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall remains their preferred option, and United are actively working on that front. The problem is Newcastle’s stance: they are not inclined to sell, forcing United to keep other avenues open.
That is where Salinas has grown in appeal. Young, proven at youth international level, and available at a fixed price, he fits the profile of an attainable alternative if Hall proves out of reach.
United’s shortlist also includes RB Leipzig’s David Raum, while Club Brugge defender Joaquin Seys has been monitored. However, Belgian sources maintain Seys will not be leaving this summer, narrowing the field.
All of which leaves the chase for Salinas gathering pace. Atletico are trying to strike first. United are still deciding whether to pull the trigger on that €16million clause.
One club wants him as a starter-in-waiting. The other must soon decide if this is the moment to move from admiration to action.
