Man Utd toying with swap deal for ‘sexual assault controversy’ striker

Manchester United (Manchester United) are playing the swap deal card in their pursuit of Vitor Hoke (Barcelona, 19), who has been described as the ‘second coming of Ronaldo’.

Spain’s Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday (Aug. 13) that United are pursuing a swap deal this summer that would see the Brazilian forward swap for Mason Griezmann (23, Getafe), with Barcelona open to the idea.

Hoque is a teenage striker with a promising future who has been touted as the second coming of Brazilian soccer emperor Ronaldo (48). At 5-foot-10, he is not a big player, but his speed and strong lower body allow him to dart through the opposition’s defense, drawing comparisons to Ronaldo.

After signing with Barcelona in the summer of 2023, he continued to play for Atlético Paranaense (Brazil). However, he only joined Barcelona in January due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. This was possible because of the space created by Gabi’s long-term injury.

However, Hoke has not been used much under Xavi Hernandez. He has scored two goals this season, but has only made 13 appearances in total, including 11 in the league. In total, he has played around 310 minutes.

Hoke”s agent, Andre Curie, then expressed his frustration on behalf of the player. He explained that Barcelona had been his childhood dream club and that he had rejected offers from other clubs last summer for more money. He also warned that if they didn”t continue to give him opportunities, he would leave on a permanent transfer rather than a loan.

Greenwood was considered one of the top prospects to come out of United’s academy. He signed his first professional contract with United in October 2018 at the age of 17 and made his debut against Valencia in the UEFA Champions League that December after being called up by Jose Mourinho.

Greenwood quickly became a regular in Mourinho’s system. In the 2019-2020 season, he exploded for 17 goals in 49 games. But then something happened.

In January 2022, Greenwood’s girlfriend, Harriet Robson, posted evidence on social media that she had been sexually assaulted by Greenwood, which led to Greenwood being suspended from team training.

Greenwood was arrested, detained, and tried on 토토 rape and assault charges. However, in February 2023, all cases against Greenwood were dismissed and dropped. Greenwood was exonerated.

However, United’s push for Greenwood’s reinstatement was met with public backlash, and he was sent out on loan to Getafe, where he continued to prove himself as a fixture with 10 goals and six assists in 33 games, including 30 league games.

United are under pressure to bring Greenwood back, but they have extended his contract until the summer of 2026. This was done to increase his wages and maximize his availability for this summer’s signings.

However, a swap deal between United and Barcelona is unlikely to happen easily. First of all, Hoke’s agent is not in favor of a loan move. He only wants a full transfer. A swap deal isn”t what United would prefer either.

Greenwood”s past could also be a problem. Both Barcelona fans and the club”s board of directors could view the signing of Greenwood, who has been accused of sexual assault, negatively.

This complicated atmosphere could be a boon for Tottenham, another club in the hunt for Hoke. Spurs were among the clubs that showed interest in Hoke when he was playing in Brazil, along with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.

Tottenham, of course, would prefer to sign Hoke on loan rather than outright. That’s because of the risk involved in a full transfer and the €60 million price tag.

However, in this fluid atmosphere, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is likely to be resourceful in the transfer market again. If Hoke joins Tottenham, the club will be able to sell Heurelisbon and synergize with Son Heung-min.

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