26 June 2023 , 11:25
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Man Utd will counteract losing Alessia Russo with a move for Barcelona forward Geyse as the women's transfer window opens.
United announced two weeks ago that Russo would leave the club at the end of June after failing to renew her contract. But ahead of their first UEFA Women's Champions League campaign, the Red Devils are now looking to replace the England forward with the Brazilian international, who won both the Spanish League and European Cup in her sole season in Catalonia.
The 25-year-old impressed in the women's Finalissima against England back in April and came off the bench in Barcelona's Champions League final comeback against Wolfsburg. First reported by the Mail , sources now indicate she will be subject of an approach from United, if they can agree a transfer fee with Barca.
Geyse, who has one year remaining on her contract with the Spanish champions, is currently preparing for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand at a pre-tournament training camp at Granja Comary, the Brazilian FA headquarters. She was one of Brazil's standout players on the way to winning the Copa America last year and is expected to have a big impact at the finals this summer, with the Selecao's first game against Panama on July 24.
Brazil also face France and Jamaica in Group F as they aim to win the tournament for the first time. United are looking to bring in Geyse to respond with a statement signing, after a difficult start to their summer transfer business.
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Even before the window officially reopened on Monday morning, manager Marc Skinner had already lost the key duo of Russo and right-back Ona Batlle. Russo is expected to formally join WSL rivals Arsenal in the coming weeks.
Brazilian forward Geyse is now a top target for Man UtdBatlle has already signed for Barcelona after he contract at Leigh Sports Village ran down, which could pave the way for Lucy Bronze's exit from the Catalan giants after just one season. United need reinforcements with a maiden Champions League campaign on the horizon, as well as the new WSL season which begins in September.
The likes of Mary Earps, Leah Galton and Ella Toone will lead the charge next season, but the departures of Russo and Batlle have raised questions over the long-term strategy at the club. The league runners-up have already been heavily linked with moves for Reading's Gemma Evans and have already completed a deal to bring in the highly rated Evie Rabjohn from Aston Villa.
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