Recently, Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso has become a hot property in the European transfer market. It is reported that Premier League giant Manchester United and La Liga powerhouse Atlético Madrid have both shown strong interest in this 2018 World Cup champion, and a battle to sign him has already begun.
Manchester United has taken the first substantial step in this race, having recently made initial contact with Tolisso's team. Although the Red Devils failed to qualify for European competitions next season – a factor that usually significantly reduces the appeal to top players – Tolisso is not opposed to joining. As a giant with a glorious history, Manchester United's profound heritage and huge influence still attract Tolisso.
It is understood that due to his age of 30, Tolisso's valuation is only €10 million, which is quite a cost-effective deal. However, it will not be easy for Manchester United to bring Tolisso to Old Trafford. The primary obstacle is Lyon's attitude. Lyon hopes to rebuild around Tolisso, the team's new captain, in the new season and is clearly reluctant to let go of this key player easily.
Of course, Lyon's stance is not unshakable. Reports point out that selling Tolisso may benefit the club's financial situation, especially considering that the French international has the highest salary in Lyon's squad. Under economic considerations, Lyon's attitude may soften.
Manchester United is not the only suitor; La Liga giant Atlético Madrid is also closely monitoring Tolisso's developments. Atlético has been seeking to strengthen their midfield, and their desire for Tolisso has intensified, especially with the possibility of Rodrigo De Paul leaving. This means Manchester United must accelerate the process if they want to sign Tolisso successfully, otherwise Atlético may get there first.
From the player's perspective, Tolisso already has the strength of a top midfielder. He is 181cm tall; although not particularly tall, he has excellent physical fitness and comprehensive abilities, capable of playing multiple positions such as central midfielder and attacking midfielder. Statistics show that last season, he contributed 10 goals and 6 assists in 46 games across all competitions, demonstrating his all-round ability in both attack and defense. Whether it is organizing plays and making forward runs to shoot in the offensive end, or intercepting and tackling in the defensive end, Tolisso has performed well.
For Tolisso, both Manchester United and Atlético Madrid are highly attractive options. Manchester United, although without European competition qualification, has a huge commercial territory and a global fan base, which can bring him higher exposure; Atlético, on the other hand, regularly competes in the Champions League, providing him with the opportunity to showcase himself on Europe's top stage. The battle to sign Tolisso continues, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United or Atlético Madrid will have the last laugh.
