Fresh reports circulating in the football world suggest that Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes has delivered a firm and revealing update about his future — and it’s not what Manchester United were hoping to hear.
At a time when United are believed to be preparing a massive €80 million bid for the highly rated Portuguese left-back, Mendes has allegedly dropped what many are calling a “truth-bomb”: he never really planned on leaving PSG in the first place.
Multiple sources claim that Mendes has made his stance abundantly clear, insisting that staying in the French capital has always been his intention.
Meanwhile, Manchester United — who have been tracking the player for months are said to be pushing ahead with hopes of luring him to Old Trafford, viewing him as the ideal reinforcement for a position that has been problematic for the club.
Part of the reason this story has gained traction is due to talk of contract-extension discussions between PSG and Mendes hitting a temporary standstill.
That perceived hesitation opened a window of opportunity for interested clubs, and United reportedly took advantage of the situation by placing an initial offer on the table.
Although the €80 million figure has not been officially confirmed, it is widely circulated as the expected amount required to tempt PSG into negotiations.
Who Exactly Is Nuno Mendes?
Born on 19 June 2002 in Sintra, Portugal, Mendes established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders after rising through Sporting CP’s academy. His rapid acceleration, powerful forward runs, and natural defensive timing made him stand out early in his career.
PSG brought him in on loan in 2021 and completed the permanent transfer in 2022, instantly cementing him as a crucial part of their squad. At just 22 years old, he is already considered among the top full-backs in modern football.
Why Manchester United Want Him So Badly
Manchester United see Mendes as the perfect solution to long-standing instability in their left-back position. Their reasoning includes:
Bringing in a defender with Champions League pedigree and high-level consistency
Securing a player young enough to grow into a long-term asset
Taking advantage of a moment of uncertainty in his contract situation
Adding dynamism, pace, and attacking balance to their defensive line
United believe Mendes could transform the left flank into one of their strongest areas, especially as they continue to rebuild under their new sporting structure.
The Complications in Any Potential Deal
However, completing such a transfer will be anything but straightforward. PSG are notoriously firm negotiators and are unlikely to let a player of Mendes’s calibre leave unless the offer is overwhelming.
With Mendes publicly expressing satisfaction with life in Paris, PSG now hold even more leverage.
The huge transfer fee being discussed also raises questions about whether United can justify spending that amount given their other squad needs.
Mendes’s contract status, his happiness at PSG, and the timing of United’s approach all factor into the complexity.
Mendes’s “Truth-Bomb” — What He Actually Said
The reported key quote is simple but powerful:
“Paris Saint-Germain wing-back Nuno Mendes has revealed he never had any intentions to leave the Ligue 1 giants.”
This statement directly challenges the narrative that he might be open to a move, reminding everyone that the player himself may not be looking for an exit anytime soon.
What This Means for Manchester United
For United, the situation now appears more delicate:
Mendes remains their top-choice left-back target
His comments may force United to rethink the likelihood of success
They may either wait for a more favourable moment or switch attention to alternative targets
With PSG unwilling to negotiate easily, United risk wasting valuable time if they pursue a deal that may never materialise
