With a rebuild making for many more transfers, the question ‘who are Manchester United linked with?’ is on all their fans’ lips. As one of the biggest clubs in the world, endless rumours are surrounding United’s transfer plans going into the summer. And, with so many news stories about them, here are the players that Manchester United are linked with.
Players Manchester United Are Being Linked With
Kalidou Koulibaly
Likelihood Rating — 6.5/10
According to Nathan Salt of the Mail Online, Kalidou Koulibaly could join in the summer. While his arrival at Old Trafford could hinge on the sale of Chris Smalling, the Senegalese centre-back may cost a club record fee of £93 million. He would be worth it, however, with United looking for a partner for new arrival Harry Maguire.
Diego Godín
Likelihood Rating — 2.5/10
According to Metro, United could make a surprise move for 34-year-old centre-back Diego Godín. He would be a temporary partner for Maguire, bringing lots of experience to a very youthful side, and allowing the Red Devils time to find a second permanent centre-back.
Samuel Umtiti
Likelihood Rating — 5.5/10
Having previously wanted to sign the Samuel Umtiti, Manchester United have, according to Oli Game of the Mail Online, reignited their interest in Barcelona defender. They seem keen to sign him, but face stern competition from the likes of Arsenal. Already on the transfer list, however, it seems that Barca do not have a problem letting him go. It is simply a matter of where he will end up, should he leave the Camp Nou.
Ben Chilwell
Likelihood Rating — 3/10
Manchester United’s left-back position is fairly weak, however, Luke Shaw has recently stepped up his form, and Brandon Williams looks to be a very promising prospect. Despite this, improving the quality and depth is never bad, and according to Stuart Ballard of the Daily Express, Ben Chilwell could provide on both of those fronts. He has been impressive for Leicester City over the last few seasons and fits their rebuild mould of young and British. The 23-year-old would become United’s first-choice left full-back, but they face keen admirers of the Englishman, Chelsea, in their fight for his signature.
Denis Zakaria
Likelihood Rating — 5/10
According to Lloyd Johnson of the Express, United want Defensive midfielder Denis Zakaria and are favourites for his signature. He has proven himself as a commanding influence in the Borussia Monchengladbach midfield recently. Although James Garner is very promising, Manchester United do not have a young defensive-midfielder who can regularly start. The Swiss player, who is good both offensively and in defence, would be a great signing for the Red Devils.
Eduardo Camavinga
Likelihood Rating — 5/10
Eduardo Camavinga is another defensive midfielder who United could buy, according to Coral Barry’s report in the Metro. The 17-year-old has displayed great skill in Ligue 1 for Rennes this season, showing his incredible tackling ability, and may well leave in the summer, with many European giants circling.
Declan Rice
Likelihood Rating — 4.5/10
One further defensive midfield player who, according to Robert Redmond of Sportsjoe, Manchester United could buy is Declan Rice. The Englishman had a lot of interest in him at the start of the season, but that has died down since he stayed at West Ham for another year. The rumours surrounding the 21-year-old have picked up recently, though, and Chelsea seem to be in the driver’s seat in the race for Rice.
Jude Bellingham
Likelihood Rating — 7.5/10
One of the players most likely to join United, linked by many reporters such as Alex Harris of the Express, is Jude Bellingham. He has had a fantastic breakout season. Since becoming the youngest player to appear for his side Birmingham City earlier this season, Bellingham has been an instrumental part of their team. He has shown great skill this campaign, while also displaying his versatility, playing in wide and central midfield positions, as well as in more attacking areas. Birmingham are resigned to losing their star talent this summer, and Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have emerged as the most likely candidates to sign him.
Jack Grealish
Likelihood Rating — 7.5/10
Another of the players who many media outlets, such as Metro, have linked to a move to United in the summer is Jack Grealish. Yet another young Englishman on this list, he has shown his quality in the Premier League for Aston Villa this season. United are fairly uncontested in their desire to have him playing for them next season, and with the Villains facing relegation, Grealish is even more likely to join the Red Devils.
Jadon Sancho
Likelihood Rating — 8/10
The most heavily rumoured transfer for United, with a myriad of reports, such as one from Will Griffee of the Mail Online, Jadon Sancho could be on his way there. The Englishman has impressed everyone with his performances for BVB this campaign. With 15 assists, he has the third-highest count in Europe’s top five leagues and he has 14 goals as well. Sancho has proven his worth in Germany, and a move away this summer seems highly likely, with United leading the race for his signature.
James Maddison
Likelihood Rating — 4/10
Although at the beginning of the season, James Maddison was a transfer priority at Old Trafford, the interest has died down. Impressive performances from Jack Grealish have been a large factor in this. According to Jack Otway of the Express, there is still some interest, though. Maddison seems to be a backup option to Grealish, but a class one at that.
Donny van de Beek
Likelihood Rating — 3/10
Despite a reported informal agreement with Real Madrid, Manchester United are interested in Donny van de Beek according to Metro. The Dutchman has made a name for himself at Ajax, playing consistently well as an attacking midfielder, and could help United in their building a winning side. Despite this, it is questionable as to whether the Red Devils need him, with Bruno Fernandes having recently arrived.
Martin Ødegaard
Likelihood Rating — 3.5/10
Martin Ødegard joined Real Madrid in 2015, with immediate wonderkid status. Although the excitement has died down, Real‘s 21-year-old prospect is still a great player, and United recently sent a scout to watch him, according to Joe Strange of the Mail Online. However, he faces the same positional difficulties as van de Beek, with Fernandes blocking his way into the first team.
Leon Bailey
Likelihood Rating — 1/10
According to Joshua Jones of the Sun, United are in the race for Leon Bailey, a potential alternative to Jadon Sancho. The Jamaican is a talented winger who starts regularly for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, however, with his preferred side being on the left, he may not get a look in as Marcus Rashford is United’s first choice there.
Thomas Lemar
Likelihood Rating — 5.5/10
Following a failed move to Atletico Madrid, Thomas Lemar could move elsewhere this summer. The winger is talented but has struggled to find his feet in Spain. United, according to Alex Dicken of the Manchester Evening News, met with his representatives recently, but no further action has taken place. Like Bailey, however, he may struggle to get into the team in his current position.
Philippe Coutinho
Likelihood Rating — 2/10
Another player who has experienced a failed move to Spain, Philippe Coutinho has flopped since a big-money move to Barcelona. Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in him, according to Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, however, a transfer to United seems unlikely.
Gareth Bale
Likelihood Rating — 3/10
Perhaps the longest-time target on this list, Manchester United have shown interest in Gareth Bale for many years, and according to Jack Otway of the Express, they still want him. The former Tottenham Hotspur right-winger could fill the position for United, however, it would be temporary, and his age is not an attractive feature.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Likelihood Rating — 5/10
Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has seen much interest from Barcelona this season, and Manchester United recently joined the race, according to Metro, with Anthony Martial potentially on his way out. Although Arsenal would be reluctant to see him leave, an offer of roughly £50 million could convince them to part ways with the Gabonese striker, with his contract running out next year.
Timo Werner
Likelihood Rating — 4.5/10
Despite Liverpool being keen to sign Timo Werner, Manchester United, according to Joe Moore of Talksport are also interested. Werner is a clinical striker, something which United need, however with Liverpool a very attractive prospect due to their recent success, it could be difficult to prize him away.
Harry Kane
Likelihood Rating — 3/10
United could also buy Harry Kane in the summer, according to Metro. The Englishman has grown tired of the lack of silverware at Tottenham and wants more success elsewhere. United may be able to provide this, however with competition from Manchester City and Juventus, it will be challenging.
Antoine Griezmann
Likelihood Rating — 2.5/10
Another striker, and another Barcelona flop on this list, Antoine Griezmann could see Manchester United trying to sign him this summer, according to Sport. Although it is unlikely, the former Atletico goalscorer may move to Manchester this summer and would be first-choice straight away there.
Victor Osimhen
Likelihood Rating — 5.5/10
United are prioritizing the signing of Lille striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to French publication Le10sport. These reports are fairly new, but they are strong, and United may buy the 21-year-old as part of their future plans.
Odion Ighalo
Likelihood Rating — 8.5/10
Current loanee at United Odion Ighalo could see himself move there permanently, according to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News. A fee in the region of £15 million would take him away from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua this summer, and wages at roughly £400,000 a week. While this would be expensive, it may be worth it, with Ighalo being a die-hard supporter and great goalscorer.
Erling Håland
Likelihood Rating — 5/10
Last on this list, Håland nearly joined the Red Devils in January. BVB pipped them to his signature, though, with their reputation of training young players very well. The 19-year-old has a release clause of €60 million, a bargain for such a good player, and could join the Red Devils in the summer of 2021, according to Manuel Bruña of Mundo Deportivo. The Norwegian would be an exceptional signing for both immediate success and that of the future.
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