It won’t be long until we’re back in the heart of the transfer window, and it seems like another costly one for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag was given a budget of well over £200m in his first summer in charge at Old Trafford, and with new owners potentially in place by the time the next one arrives, he might have quite the wаг chest to play with. Tottenham are unlikely to allow their star, Harry Kane, go on the cheap, despite the fаcт that he is entering the last year of his contract.
United are also looking for another talented midfielder to boost their ranks, and they, like every other team in Europe, would love to get Jude Bellingham, who would cost at least £100m. Despite his desire to remain at Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong is a dream acquisition for Ten Hag.
With significant squad enhancements required, as well as two star arrivals, United is certain to spend big again in 2023. Nevertheless, as Ten Hag shown with the addition of Christian Eriksen last year, game-changing talent can be discovered in the free-agent market and should not be neglected.
Although United wants one elite-level attacker like Kane or Victor Osimhen to finally provide the goals, this season has highlighted the necessity for numerous alternatives in the position, so there may be a desire to bring in another if feasible. This is especially true now that Anthony Martial has been put on the transfer list.
Wout Weghorst’s loan may be extended after impressing Ten Hag with his unselfish effort, but a striker with greater poise in front of goal may be a better option. Marcus Thuram, 25, was utilized well as an impact replacement for France at the World Cup and has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach this season.
Marcus Thuram
Moussa Dembele, a fellow Frenchman, can provide Weghorst’s muscular presence while being much more clinical. United have been monitoring the Lyon striker for some years and now have the option to get him for free. Dembele has struggled this season, having lost his guaranteed starting spot and only scoring three occasions, but he bagged 21 in 30 previous season and has consistently delivered solid stats. Dembele or Thuram would be excellent additions to a huge deal.
Moussa Dembele
Maybe the two attackers are not the only French internationals who have become free agents this summer. Ten Hag wants to improve the technical level of his midfield, which presently suffers from a significant dip in quality when Casemiro or Eriksen are out. Marcel Sabitzer, like Weghorst, is pleading for his loan to be prolonged, but Bayern Munich will almost certainly want a fair cost.
Instead, the Bosman market is brimming with intriguing choices. Houssem Aouar may not have realized his full potential since ƅгҽɑ𝗸Ꭵ𝚗ɡ onto the limelight at Lyon, but he’s still just 24 and has gobs of skill that a coach like Ten Hag can develop. Aouar can play everywhere in midfield and has plenty of big-game experience, having led his team to a Champions League victory against Manchester City and earning praise from Pep Guardiola.
Houssem Aouar
Adrien Rabiot, another Frenchman, is a player United is well acquainted with having signing him last summer when it became evident De Jong would not be joining. A sum of £15m-£20m had been agreed upon with Juventus, but the transaction fell through owing to the 27-year-‘obscene’ old’s pay demands. With money no longer an issue, United may reconsider their interest in a player who impressed at the World Cup and, although imperfect, is incredibly exquisite on the ball.
Adrien Rabiot
Youri Tielemans is another midfielder on the club’s radar who, unlike the previous two choices, has plenty of Premier League experience and could fit in well at Old Trafford. The Belgian has struggled this term as Leicester have declined but he гҽмɑᎥ𝚗s a very talented player and is still just 25.
Youri Tielemans
While a striker and midfielder are by far the biggest priorities, Ten Hag may want to make some additions in defence so it would be helpful if that could be done on the cheap side. The club will try to trade Harry Maguire and may Һ𝚞𝚗т for another center-back to replace him. The summer free agency story will undoubtedly revolve on Inter’s Milan Skriniar. A defender of his calibre would be great but there’s not that much need given Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are a sublime partnership.
Skriniar
A centre-back who is more willing to play second fiddle would be a smart addition with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Evan Ndicka, Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez, Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester and Dutchman Stefan de Vrij all approaching the end of their contracts too.
Evan Ndicka
Inigo Martinez
Caglar Soyuncu
Stefan de Vrij
And also Gavi, the Golden boy is free because of Laliga punished and could leave Barca in the summer.
Gavi
