Mourinho turns to Godin? $37.5 million deal lined up

Okay, it’s not quite that drastic, but it is clear Manchester United needs to invest in defensive leadership and according to a report in the Sun newspaper, Mourinho is targeting a $40 million move for Atletico Madrid’s central defender Diego Godin.

Per the report, Godin has a $37.5 million 

release clause in his contract and United could trigger it in January.

Improvement in central defense was a clear target for Mourinho as he bought in Eric Baillythis summer for $37.5 million and the Ivorian defender has been a beast in the heart of United’s defense. He went down injured last month but is expected back in early December and on the face of things, his power combined with Godin’s exemplary reading of the game would be a fine partnership.

United’s defensive collapse at Chelsea two weeks ago highlighted some of the problems they’re facing with Chris Smalling and Daley Blind caught out of position and the likes ofMarcos Rojo has also failed to grab his chance to impress Mourinho.

With all of his teams built on a solid defensive unit, Mourinho will be looking to shore up his United side to try and stay in touch with the top four in the Premier League.

Godin, 30, has vast experience in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and internationally with Uruguay. He has been a standout performer for Atletico and is Mr. Consistent in defense. His influence on United could be huge and although he has a strong bond with Atletico, it is reported that United will blow his current wages out of the water and if they trigger the release clause surely Godin will have to think long and hard about it. At his age and the way he plays the game (not relying on pace but instead his positional sense and reading of the game) he still has four to five years left at the top.

United will offset Godin’s potential arrival by culling plenty of players. Memphis is set to lead the exodus with Morgan Scheiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo all on the outs, plusMichael Carrick, Ashley Young and Phil Jones all appear to be nothing more than squad players under Mourinho.

It is clear a massive shake up is coming up at Old Trafford. If that coincides with Godin’s arrival, it would be huge for Mourinho.