The market for fullbacks presents a more complex challenge than midfield options, particularly as many of the Premier League’s top performers in the position didn’t start their careers as such.
Arsenal, for example, have successfully converted Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber from center backs. Similarly, Pep Guardiola has experimented with Josko Gvardiol, shifting him from center back to left back and back again, and even questioned the “intelligence” of Matheus Nunes, initially praising him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while at Sporting CP before concluding he was better suited as a right back. Guardiola has also utilized Nico O’Reilly in a variety of roles, with the England international rotating between left back, defensive midfield, and attacking midfield.
If Manchester United are seeking a traditional, overlapping, and aggressive left back, Lewis Hall of Newcastle United could be a strong contender. His teammate, Tino Livramento, also a City target, presents an intriguing option at right back, though his injury history warrants consideration. The primary obstacle for both players is likely to be transfer fees, with Newcastle potentially demanding around £80 million for each.
Should United prioritize a player already proven in the Premier League—a strategy that proved more successful last summer than attempts to integrate players like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Hojlund—they could find value in the market by considering Pedro Porro if Tottenham were to be relegated, or Ola Aina if Nottingham Forest were to drop down a division.
Hugo Bueno, almost certain to be relegated with Wolves, represents a more affordable option, potentially available for around £20 million despite possessing some of the most impressive underlying statistics in the Premier League.
