Man Utd the ‘most persistent’ club in the race for £37.5m Spanish international dubbed ‘giant of the lake’

Manchester United are reportedly keen to recruit Jacobo Ramon, who has been a revelation since joining Como.

The Red Devils haven’t addressed their defensive issues over the past two summer transfer campaigns, but they’re expected to ring the changes in 2027, especially with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez all facing uncertain futures.

The Argentina international is widely expected to leave after publicly calling out the club’s hierarchy following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, not to mention his expiring contract and recurring blunders at the back.

With Martinez heading for the exit door, his ideal replacement at Man Utd would be a ball-playing central defender, someone who is capable of playing the ball off the back.

In recent weeks, Jacobo Ramon has emerged as a potential solution thanks to his exploits at Como. The Premier League giants witnessed his class first-hand when the two sides met in a Champions League contest last month.

Cesc Fabregas’ men completely outplayed the Reds en route to a 4-1 victory, with Ramon getting on the scoresheet.

According to AS, Ramon has several suitors in the Premier League, including Chelsea and Liverpool, who both have Spanish managers at the helm. Nevertheless, MUFC is his ‘most persistent’ suitor.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid have an immense advantage should they decide to enter the fray. Los Blancos sold the young defender for €2.5 million in the summer of 2025, but they retain a buy-back option for €10 million.

This would be a great bargain for Spanish giants, as Transfermarkt values the centre-back at £45 million or €37.5 million. His valuation could rise further after receiving his maiden call-up for the senior Spanish national team.

At this stage, it’s difficult to see Real Madrid waiving their option to bring back Ramon, even if they don’t intend to reintegrate him in their plans straight away.

The 15-time European champions could find a new arrangement with Como, similar to the Nico Paz operation. Madrid bought back the Argentine playmaker, only to sell him to the Italian club once again, but for a larger figure and a higher buy-back option.

Therefore, if Man Utd are serious about signing the Spanish international, they should anticipate the competition by opening a dialogue with Real Madrid, who hold all the cards.

Ramon might be the perfect solution for the Red Devils, as he can fill in the gap that Lisandro’s departure would leave in the buildup phase, while his imposing figure should make him a more reliable option than the Argentine at the back.

The youngster is 1.95 m to 1.96 m (6′ 5″) tall, earning the nickname ‘the giant of the lake’, in reference to the famous Lago di Como.