Manchester United Target Francisco Conceicao as Next Winger
Michael Carrick has his winger in mind. Now he has to prise him out of Turin.
Manchester United’s manager is keen to work with Francisco Conceicao at Old Trafford, with Italian outlet TuttoJuve reporting that the Portuguese international has emerged as a prime attacking target for the 2026 summer window.
It is a move that would continue a busy rebuild. United, operating under the guidance of co-owners INEOS, have already pushed through five signings this summer: Karl Darlow, Kit Margetson, Andrey Santos, Tynan Thompson and Youri Tielemans. The focus has been clear – refresh the squad’s core, deepen the bench, and build a side capable of living with the demands of the Champions League next season.
A third midfield addition is on the agenda, as is a striker to ease the burden on Benjamin Sesko. But Carrick’s gaze has drifted wide, towards one of Serie A’s most dangerous right-sided operators.
Carrick’s ideal winger
Conceicao, 23, has grown into a key figure at Juventus, operating predominantly off the right flank but comfortable on either side. His numbers in 2025/26 – four goals and five assists in 42 appearances in all competitions – do not leap off the page, yet they tell only part of the story.
United’s recruitment team, and Carrick in particular, are said to be drawn to the way he plays, not just what he produces. TuttoJuve report that the club see him as “the perfect fit” for their project, with Carrick especially valuing his ability to beat defenders, carve out chances and switch flanks without losing impact.
In a Premier League that increasingly rewards individual brilliance in tight spaces, United want more players who can unpick a low block on their own. Conceicao’s dribbling, his willingness to take on his man, and his threat in one‑v‑one situations tick exactly those boxes. United view that profile as essential to injecting more unpredictability into an attack that has too often felt predictable and easy to contain.
For a side returning to the Champions League, that edge matters. Carrick knows it.
Juventus set their price
There is, however, a significant obstacle. Conceicao is tied to Juventus until the summer of 2030, and the Italian club are in no mood to sell on the cheap.
TuttoJuve report that Juventus have set their valuation at around €50m (£43m, $57.4m). It is a figure designed to do two things at once: reflect how highly they rate the winger and guarantee a healthy capital gain on the investment they made only a year ago.
The message from Turin is blunt. Any club wanting Conceicao will have to submit a “very significant offer”. Juventus believe that price tag underlines both their faith in his long-term value and their reluctance to entertain anything lower.
Inside the club, the stance is described as clear. Conceicao fits seamlessly into Luciano Spalletti’s plans and has not been placed on the list of players available for transfer in this window. From their perspective, he is part of the project, not a bargaining chip.
Only an offer they can’t refuse
That leaves United – and any other admirers – staring at a familiar equation. Juventus insist only a truly irresistible bid would force them to the table. Anything short of that, and they are prepared to keep one of Serie A’s standout wingers in black and white.
For Carrick and INEOS, the question is simple but sharp: how much is that extra dose of flair and unpredictability on the flank really worth to a team trying to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite?
