As the Coronavirus pandemic’s toll on football increases with France’s Ligue 1 the first of Europe’s big five leagues to cancel the season, a large hole arises in the lives of millions. Despite the virus, however, transfer rumours keep going, and a story from Martin Blackburn of The Sun claims that Manchester United are looking at a flash sale this summer in order to fund big-money summer moves.
Manchester United Ready for Mass Sale to Raise Funds for Big-Money Signings
Offloading Deadwood
The Red Devils’ transfer strategy has changed drastically since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Instead of chasing experienced, proven world-class players, they are looking for young talents who could blossom into the future star player of the team.
Likewise, their outlook on the front of selling players has shifted; the club are trying to sell older players who are surplus to requirements. Last summer, the likes of Matteo Darmian and Romelu Lukaku left on permanent deals. Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling were two more experienced players to leave on loan.
In the next transfer window, they will look to follow this ideology further; a number of players are facing an exit.
They would consider accepting a bid for Paul Pogba, should it be sizable, with the Frenchman having attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus. Despite this, many will struggle to finance expensive moves like this due to the struggles inflicted by the Coronavirus.
The Manchester side may also attempt to cash in on underperforming pair Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira, both of whom have had disastrous seasons.
Similarly, Marcos Rojo is viewed as surplus to requirements, currently on loan at boyhood club Estudiantes in Argentina. While he has not been a regular feature there, the South American outfit may make his deal permanent. If not, there would be other takers elsewhere.
Chris Smalling’s exemplary performances in Serie A this season have earned interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma are also considering a move, slightly discouraged by United’s asking price.
And, the English giants will try to sell Alexis Sanchez when they can, with his wages incredibly high. However, he is reportedly unwilling to take a pay cut if leaving, so it will be a challenge to offload the Chilean.
Considering Big-Money Signings
United will need to sell many of the aforementioned players to afford moves for some of their targets.
Jadon Sancho may cost them upwards of £100 million, with Borussia Dortmund sticking to their original price as of now.
Jack Grealish is another player who would make for an expensive transfer, and James Maddison could also be a pricey addition.
And, Jude Bellingham would not come cheap as Birmingham City look for around £30 million in exchange for their wonderkid.
Moves for of these players could add up to over £200 million. With multiple other targets come the transfer window, Manchester United are ready for a mass sale to raise funds for their big-money summer signings.
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