Manchester United eye RB Leipzig's Antonio Nusa as cut-price alternative to Liverpool target Diomande

Manchester United are considering a move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as a cheaper alternative to teammate Yan Diomande, whose asking price of more than £100 million is expected to price the Old Trafford club out of the running.

Nusa, 21, caught the eye during Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq at the World Cup on Tuesday, causing problems from the left flank — precisely the area United are looking to reinforce this summer. The Norwegian registered five goals and four assists for Leipzig in the most recent Bundesliga season, and sources suggest he could be available for roughly half what Leipzig are demanding for Diomande.

United had previously scouted Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, but Liverpool are now considered frontrunners for his signature after a standout first World Cup appearance. With Leipzig reportedly valuing Diomande at over £100 million and United prioritising midfield investment this window, Nusa has emerged as a more financially viable option on the left.

The question of whether Leipzig would sanction the sale of both first-choice wingers in the same transfer window adds a layer of complexity. Any club that moves quickly for Nusa could complete a deal before a Diomande agreement is finalised, giving them an advantage.

Nusa brings considerable experience for his age. He has made 170 club appearances across spells at Stabaek, Club Brugge and Leipzig, accumulating 21 goal contributions in 70 games for the German side. Internationally, he has scored eight goals in 25 caps for Norway and has drawn comparisons to Neymar at home — a tag he has since tried to temper.

“I like to create chaos,” Nusa told Norwegian media in April 2021. “Neymar is my role model because he creates chaos on the pitch with his dribbling, just like me. He is one of the best in the world.” He has since been more measured on the subject, acknowledging the compliment while stressing: “I’m not a new Neymar.”

United’s existing relationship with Leipzig could smooth any potential negotiation. The club signed Benjamin Sesko from the Bundesliga outfit a year ago for £73 million, and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell has established connections with the German club.