Report: Man United are in the race to sign 20-year-old midfielder | OneFootball

Man Utd Intensify Monitoring of Club Brugge Midfielder

Manchester United are accelerating their interest in Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, with scouting activity increasing in recent months, according to a report by TeamTalk.

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United’s recruitment department have been tracking the 20 year old closely as they assess midfield options for the coming transfer windows. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are also attentive, but sources indicate that United’s presence at Brugge fixtures has been particularly consistent.

Stankovic, the son of former Serbia international Dejan Stankovic, left Inter last summer in search of regular football. That decision has proven well judged. He has established himself as one of the most composed young midfielders in the Jupiler Pro League, operating primarily as a deep lying playmaker.

Recruitment Praise and Rice Comparison

A senior recruitment figure who has monitored Stankovic extensively told TeamTalk: “Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and United have been regular visitors to see Stankovic. He is a real class act. Not dissimilar to a young Declan Rice – that’s the comparison for me.

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“You can see he’s inherited his class from his father. This kid is a major talent.”

For United, the comparison to Declan Rice is particularly instructive. The club have been seeking greater control and structure in midfield. Stankovic’s ability to dictate tempo, receive under pressure and recycle possession aligns with that objective.

TeamTalk reported on December 29 that Arsenal are expressing “great interest” in the midfielder, while Italian reports on February 1 stated that United have been scouting him. That information has been verified, underlining the seriousness of their evaluation.

Inter Clause Complicates Potential Deal

Any move would need to account for Inter’s buy back clause, which becomes active in the summers of 2026 and 2027. United would therefore be entering negotiations with a clear awareness that the Serie A side retain influence over the player’s trajectory.

Sources close to Stankovic suggest he is open minded about his long term future. A return to Inter remains an ambition, but the appeal of the Premier League is strong. For United, the decision will revolve around timing, valuation and long term planning.

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With his reputation rising steadily in Belgium, United face a familiar question. Act early on emerging talent, or risk paying a premium later. The monitoring phase is advanced. The next step will determine whether this interest translates into a formal move.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United’s midfield rebuild has been ongoing, with questions around balance, control and long term planning. A 20 year old deep lying playmaker with high technical ceiling fits the direction many fans want to see.

The comparison to Declan Rice will raise expectations, but supporters understand that development is rarely linear. What appeals most is the profile, calm under pressure, capable of dictating tempo and still with significant room to grow.

United fans will also note the Inter buy back clause. That introduces risk. Investing time and resources in a player who could be reclaimed within two years complicates any deal structure. However, if recruitment staff believe he can anchor the midfield for the next decade, that risk may be worth navigating.

There is a broader desire among supporters for smarter, earlier moves in the market rather than reactive spending. Monitoring emerging talent in Belgium reflects that shift. If interest has truly accelerated, fans will hope United act decisively rather than watch another target slip away.