Racing Santander Set £13.7 Million Price for Jorge Salinas

Racing Santander have drawn a thick red line through Jorge Salinas’ name – and written a price next to it.

Manchester United’s latest defensive target will only leave if his £13.7million release clause is paid in full. Not negotiated. Not staggered. Met.

The 19-year-old has surged onto the radar of Europe’s elite this summer, his emergence turning heads from Manchester to Catalonia. Barcelona moved first, testing Santander’s resolve with an offer just north of £5m. The response was swift and blunt: look at the contract.

The bid was rejected without a second thought, the Catalan club pointed straight back to the release clause. Any approach from United that falls short of that figure will be treated exactly the same way.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that sporting director Chema Aragon has been crystal clear: pay the clause or forget about signing him. Aragon did concede there is a limit to Santander’s power, admitting, “There is nothing we can do if a big star appears.” The message, though, is unmistakable. They will not be talked down.

And you can see why they are digging in. Salinas has impressed with the kind of versatility that makes modern coaches lean forward in their seats. He can operate as a central defender or slot in at left-back, a dual role that instantly makes him a compelling option for United’s recruitment team.

At Old Trafford, that profile matters. Luke Shaw remains the club’s only specialist left-back. He started every Premier League match last season, a model of consistency across the campaign, yet his injury record still hangs in the background like a warning sign. Salinas would ease that strain, offering cover on the flank while also providing depth in the heart of defence.

He would not just be a deputy to Shaw. He could also step in for Lisandro Martinez, whose own last two seasons have been punctured by fitness issues. One signing, two problem areas softened.

United are looking at alternatives. Lewis Hall of Newcastle United has been discussed, but that path looks blocked for now. Newcastle have made it plain he is “untouchable” this season, a player they simply will not entertain selling.

Another name on the list is Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini. Like Salinas, the Italian can play at centre-back and left-back, with the added ability to move into central midfield. That blend of positions has attracted interest from Chelsea as well, and United scouts were in attendance for Atalanta’s most recent pre-season outing to watch him closely.

All of this comes against the backdrop of a summer in which United have primarily concentrated on reinforcing midfield. Youri Tielemans has arrived from Aston Villa, joined by Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be linked, as does Roma’s Manu Kone, as United try to reshape the spine of their side.

The next step is clear. If United truly believe Salinas is the defender to anchor their backline for the next decade, there is no room for half-measures. Racing Santander have set the terms. Now it is a question of whether Old Trafford is willing to pay the price.