Manchester United 's premature decision to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka must serve as a warning to rivals Manchester City and Chelsea as they look to bolster their ranks this summer.
City and Chelsea are both battling for the signature of Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella. But the Spaniard has only had one full season in the Premier League last season - similarly to Wan-Bissaka, before United paid Crystal Palace the £50m fee in 2019.
It is fair to say that decision has backfired. The right-back struggled under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick - and he is now set to depart this summer. The United faithful had high hopes for the player after his first full season at Selhurst Park during the 2018/19 campaign.
Despite the obvious talent Wan-Bissaka possesses, the right-back has failed to hold down a regular starting spot - despite impressing in his debut season under Solskjaer. One thing that links both the 24-year-old and Cucurella is their transfer fee.
Wan-Bissaka arrived at Old Trafford for £50m, the same fee the Seagulls are demanding for the 23-year-old. Brighton are hopeful of securing the same fee Arsenal forked out for Ben White last summer.
But Pep Guardiola is reportedly not willing to pay that much for Cucurella despite Brighton being hopeful to seal a £50m-plus deal. Meanwhile Thomas Tuchel's side is also monitoring the player's situation with Marcos Alonso's immediate future believed to be away from Stamford Bridge as he favours a move back to his native Spain.
Do you believe it would be a risk for either Manchester City or Chelsea to sign Cucurella after only one season in the Premier League? Have your say in the comment section below...
However, as reported by The Athletic, Cucurella is inclined on joining the reigning champions after a promising start to life in English football and formal contact is expected to happen within days. Despite his impressive first season on English soil, his price tag could be a high risk for any club as it is not guaranteed he will have the same impact as he did on the south coast.
Upon his first season in English football, the 23-year-old said : "Bruno has helped me a lot – also Robert [Sanchez], Alexis [Mac Allister]. We have managed to have a good season."
Seagulls boss Graham Potter was also pleased with his outstanding season: "It feels like he's been here all his life," he said. "He's been very important since he arrived and he's infectious to his teammates. He has a great character and personality, and on the pitch he brings energy and quality. He grew up in Barcelona and knows how to play football."
