Manchester United is currently navigating a complex transfer window, focusing on both incoming and outgoing player deals. Despite their efforts, recent reports indicate that the club is encountering difficulties in offloading one of its first-team players due to his substantial wage demands.
The 20-time Premier League champions have already secured two permanent signings this summer: striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and center-back Leny Yoro from Lille. However, as the transfer window progresses, United finds itself needing to adopt creative strategies to facilitate further signings. This includes the possibility of acquiring new players immediately after selling others, a tactic that has become increasingly necessary.
Among the players linked to Manchester United are Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt. However, the club is unlikely to finalize any deals for these players until they manage to sell either Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been linked with a move to West Ham, or 30-year-old Victor Lindelof.
According to a report from the Telegraph, Lindelof is proving to be a challenging asset to transfer due to his wages, which amount to £120,000 per week for another year, as noted by Spotrac. The report mentions that there has been tentative interest from clubs in Italy and Turkey, but Lindelof’s salary remains a significant barrier for potential suitors.
In a similar predicament, defensive midfielder Casemiro has also been made available for transfer. Despite links to clubs in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, United has yet to receive any formal offers for the former Real Madrid star. This lack of interest in Casemiro could potentially open the door for his midfield partner, Scott McTominay, to leave the club. Fulham has reportedly made at least two unsuccessful offers for McTominay, and it remains uncertain whether they will return with a third bid before the transfer window closes.
The urgency for Manchester United to offload players is compounded by the need to strengthen their squad. With the new transfer team, including Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and Omar Berrada, eager to make impactful signings, the club is under pressure to act swiftly. Erik ten Hag, the team’s manager, has emphasized the importance of timing and opportunity in the transfer market, stating, “If the opportunities are there, I am sure, when they are there, they will go for it.”
United’s recent activity in the transfer market has seen them spend around £90 million on Yoro and Zirkzee, but they are still in pursuit of additional reinforcements. The club has been in discussions with Bayern Munich regarding a potential double signing of Mazraoui and De Ligt. A previous offer of £55 million for both players was rejected, leaving United to reassess their strategy.
As the transfer window continues, the pressure is on Manchester United to finalize deals that will enhance their squad while also managing the outgoing transfers that are crucial for their financial and tactical flexibility. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Red Devils as they aim to reshape their team for the upcoming season.
