‘Marcos Leonardo could quit Al-Hilal as Man United swoop’
Premier League clubs including Man United could look to sign Marcos Leonardo this summer after his Club World Cup performances.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson identified Leonardo as one of three players who could be bound for a Premier League move.
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman and Crystal Palace target Jhon Arias have attracted interest from English clubs after their Club World Cup displays, and Marcos Leonardo has also impressed for Al-Hilal.
The 22-year-old Brazilian scored four goals at the tournament including a brace which helped Al-Hilal knock Manchester City out in the last 16, and Robinson argued that he could be on his way to England.
Robinson has told Football Insider that with Marcos Leonardo set to play second-fiddle to Aleksandar Mitrovic despite scoring 17 Saudi Pro League goals last season, he could push for a summer transfer.
Man United have historic interest in Marcos Leonardo and could turn attention back to the ex-Santos and Benfica forward, but Robinson told Football Insider that the Brazilian’s wages could be a challenge.
Man United to re-ignite Marcos Leonardo transfer interest?
The Manchester Evening News reported back in November 2023 that Man United were keen on Marcos Leonardo ahead of his exit from Santos, only for the then-20-year-old to join Benfica two months later.
Speaking on the latest Inside Track, Robinson said Marcos Leonardo’s form since his switch to Al-Hilal last September warrants that Premier League interest, and won’t be surprised to see him make the move.
“Marcos Leonardo of Al-Hilal – he did brilliantly well last year when he came in”, Robinson told Football Insider.
“He scored 17 league goals in Mitrovic’s absence, but as soon as Mitrovic was back fit, the manager put him back in. Mitrovic is their main man at Al-Hilal, he’s their key player and will play if he’s fit.
“The three to look out for that could potentially come to the Premier League are Jhon Arias, Kingsley Coman as we know, and Marcos Leonardo? I wouldn’t rule it out.
“I know it would take a good sum to get him away from Al-Hilal and his wages will be a problem for some because he’ll be on a good chunk there.
“But actually at 22 years old, the Brazilian’s still got a lot ahead of him and there’s potential there – I think he’s the type of player that could play in the Premier League.”
Man United may use Marcos Leonardo as Mbeumo alternative
Marcos Leonardo may have already endeared himself to Man United fans despite signing for Benfica ahead of them in January 2024, after his two goals dumped Man City out of the Club World Cup.
The Brazilian’s ability to play across the frontline could come in handy for the Red Devils, but they’re already closing in on another player with similar versatility in the form of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Man United are yet to meet Brentford’s valuation of Mbeumo and have already seen two bids rejected, but if a third should fail and talks break down completely, Marcos Leonardo could be an ideal (but by no means cheap) alternative.