Benfica playmaker Anderson Talisca has claimed that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants him at Old Trafford, and he indicated he would be open to the move.
The 23-year-old Brazilian excelled in 2016-17 on loan in Turkey at title-winning Besiktas, and when he was quizzed about links to United he said, per Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte (via Turkish-Football.com’s Emre Sarigul):
“That is a question I cannot give an answer to just yet. I cannot deny there is interest but what happens next depends on Benfica and my representatives. There will be news on this soon. Look every player dreams of playing under him [Mourinho]. Mourinho wants me, he has wanted me for a long time and I am an admirer of his work. I had a good season so we will see what happens.”
Talisca joined Benfica from Brazilian club Bahia in 2014 and was sent out on an initial one-year loan to Besiktas in August last year.
He enjoyed the best campaign of his career so far in 2016-17, netting 13 goals and providing two assists in the Turkish Super Lig in 22 appearances, per WhoScored.com.
He also netted in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, thriving in the No. 10 role under manager Senol Gunes.
Despite Talisca’s fine 2016-17 season, though, it is arguable whether he would be a decent purchase for United.
As noted by Portuguese football writer Jan Hagen, he was hardly spectacular for Benfica ahead of being loaned out and is not necessarily the type of player Mourinho traditionally likes:
Per Metro, Talisca has a €24 million (£21 million) release clause in his contract with Benfica, a figure United could easily meet if they are interested in signing him.
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