The summer transfer window at Manchester United has opened up with Joshua Zirkzee completing his £36.5 million move from Bologna and Leny Yoro almost certain to sign a €60 million contract from Lille. But more additions are contingent on exits, as the Athletic and David Ornstein both state that funds must be generated and room must be made on Erik ten Hag’s roster.
According to Manchester United’s official website, Zirkzee and Yoro join an ever-more-plump group of players; the latter’s signing means that thirty first-team players will be registered ahead of the new season. As a result, multiple sales will need to be approved. Players like Casemiro, Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all suspected of leaving this summer.
After acquiring Yoro, it appears the Red Devils are looking to add another central defensive player. Ornstein says the team is considering Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite. But with Yoro joining Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans in Ten Hag’s center-back group, one of these players will undoubtedly need to make room in order for the other to enter.
Before they can buy again, United must sell.
A Few Players Might Quit the Team
If certain performance-related add-ons are reached, the total cost of the Zirkzee and Yoro deals might surpass £90 million. This represents a substantial investment in two unproven youth players and for a club that does not receive Champions League money. As a result, money will need to be raised through sales, and a few team members are generating interest.
This summer, Casemiro is anticipated to go from the northwest of England, with Saudi Pro-League teams vying for his services. The seasoned Brazilian had a terrible second season at Old Trafford, but sources suggest he might cost a whopping £85 million.
Other suitors for Scott McTominay include Southampton and Newcastle, although Fulham’s £17 million offer for the Scottish player was rejected. The FA Cup winners are reportedly demanding a price tag of at least £40 million for the midfield player.
While West Ham is rumored to be interested in signing full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood has agreed to join Marseille from Manchester United. Apart from these most highly anticipated exits, Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof have also had their futures questioned at different times this summer.
United desires an additional center back.
We admire De Ligt and Branthwaite.
United will be able to implement other transfer plans when a couple sizable transactions are approved. Branthwaite and De Ligt are still the major objectives, but there is a need for another center-half who can challenge Yoro and Martinez for a starting position.
Although Branthwaite is eager to join, a deal now seems doubtful since INEOS believes the player is “too expensive.” Despite pressure from United, Everton has remained firm in their demand for their star defender—£70 million—during the summer.
De Ligt, meanwhile, is only interested in joining United as his story unfolds. According to some rumors, the Manchester-based team is prepared to switch their focus to Jonathan Tah because Bayern Munich is requesting £43 million for him. This might be a subterfuge, though, as they try to get the Bundesliga team to reduce the amount they’re asking for.