Atletico Madrid are aiming to upset Manchester United’s plans to sign a left-back if the latest reports on Racing Santander full-back Jorge Salinas are correct.

A new left-back is expected to complete what has already been an outstanding summer 2026 transfer window for United.

After committing to a midfield rebuild in this window, INEOS have gone all out to make sure that objective is achieved.

With Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba added to the squad, the 20-time English champions have put together a midfield unit capable of mounting a title challenge.

Even so, the view is that this Manchester United side are still one left-back short of reaching their full potential.

Luke Shaw, despite his quality and the consistency he showed last season, needs genuine competition for the role if United are to get the very best from that position.

With Patrick Dorgu expected to be used as a left winger and Harry Amass likely to depart, bringing in a left-back has become necessary.

Lewis Hall had been regarded as the ideal target, but he now appears set to remain at St James’ Park.

As a result, alternative options have been explored, and one of the more intriguing names under consideration is Jorge Salinas.

Salinas is regarded as one of the brightest emerging left-backs in Spanish football.

His aggressive one-on-one defending, calmness in possession and willingness to drive forward in attack have attracted plenty of admirers. The decision-makers at Old Trafford see him as a strong candidate to strengthen their left-back department.

Although Barcelona were initially seen as the biggest threat to the Red Devils in the chase, it now seems the Spanish champions are no longer the main danger in the race.

Instead, according to Teamtalk, Atletico Madrid are the club INEOS must now keep a close eye on.

“Atletico Madrid are pushing to get a deal done for Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas

“The Madrid club are keen for him to come into their first-team squad and have been accelerating talks over the last month after allowing Matteo Ruggeri to leave for Aston Villa.” Atletico’s strong push is clearly an unwelcome development for Manchester United.

INEOS will also have to work hard if they want to complete this transfer. It is true that the young full-back can be signed by meeting his £13.7 million release clause.

However, the situation is not as straightforward as simply paying that amount. Any transfer will only go through if Salinas himself is persuaded by the move.

United must convince the 19-year-old that the best next step in his career is to move to M16.

If he is won over by the proposal, the release clause can then be triggered and the race for his signature will effectively be decided.

Overall credibility: 8/10 Why?

✅ The claims match reports in Spain making the same point

✅ The race is still open, with Salinas holding the final decision

⚠️ There is no sign that a formal offer has yet been sent to Racing Santander regarding a transfer

TPP View

Our view is that the pursuit of Salinas, promising as he is, was always likely to be fiercely contested. With a release clause in his contract, the ultimate decision rests entirely on the club he decides to join.