Fabrizio Romano has given Manchester United fans a glimmer of hope for one summer transfer target, even with the revenue loss suffered by not qualifying for the Champions League
Losing the Europa League final has cost Manchester United approximately £100 million, after a year where Sir Jim Ratcliffe has emphasised how much the Red Devils were struggling, with constant staff redundicies, among other ruthless financial decisions.
This comes at a worrying time for United, with a big summer needed to bring in players that suit Rúben Amorim’s system, which is a big change from the systems played by previous managers Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
To fund transfers, many of the current first team squad will be sold or loaned out, reducing the wage bill and adding to the transfer budget. Of course, Amorim will not need as big of a squad next season, with no European football.
Improvements are needed across the pitch, with a focus on the attacking areas after United’s struggles in front of goal this season, having scored just 42 goals in the Premier League, with just one game left to play.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have both struggled when playing as the No.9 for Amorim’s team, potentially due to the lack of service that troubled Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in previous years.
Romano offers hope for Gyokeres deal
Despite not qualifying for the Champions League, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that a deal for Viktor Gyokeres is still possible for United. The Swedish striker is looking to leave Sporting CP, with several teams across Europe interested.
Writing for GiveMeSport, Romano confirmed that a deal would become much harder for Amorim’s team, but it doesn’t make it impossible, with the race for the striker confirmed to still be open.
“It can be more complicated also from a financial point of view,” said the transfer guru, “But the race for Gyokeres is still open. Nothing has been decided, so let’s see!
While a deal still remains possible, United may be forced to look at alternative options if Gyokeres wants to play Champions League football and fight for league titles from the outset.
A deal for Matheus Cunha is nearing completion, with Romano saying talks are advanced, and that will take the a large portion of United’s initial budget, with his release clause set at just above £60 million.
United are pivoting toward Delap
As reported by many journalists, Liam Delap is a serious option for United this summer, especially after Ipswich Town’s relegation, meaning his release clause is just £30 million, a very cheap price for a Premier League centre forward.
With new signings needed across the pitch, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell could be forced to pivot from Gyokeres to Delap, allowing £30 million to be spent on other positions on the pitch, or even saved to comply with financial fair play.
United could enter next season with Delap and Zirkzee as the two striking options, with uncertainty over the future of Hojlund after his poor season in front of goal, scoring just 10 goals in all competitions.
Jonathan David remains an option for the Red Devils this summer, having not signed a new contract at LOSC Lille, along with Carrington graduate and the first player born in the 21st century to play in the Premier League, Angel Gomes.
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