Manchester United should revisit failed swap deal to land £67m Euro 2024 star

Manchester United could look to seal a £67 million transfer this summer by revisiting a swap deal that failed in January 2024.

Manchester United are aiming to strengthen their midfield this summer, with performances from players like Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat having left Erik ten Hag‘s side short of stability.

Several midfielders are expected to depart, with Casemiro and Scott McTominay among the most likely to be sold, making new signings from INEOS this summer essential.

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Consequently, United have been linked with Denmark and Sporting CP star midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer to sure up the base of their midfield from 2024/25 onwards.

A big sticking point in any potential deal would be the £67 million price tag. Sporting have this figure as a reference point for any transfer – the 25-year-old is expected to be in high demand, so the Liga Portugal side have no motive to lower this price.

However, should United wish to strike a deal this summer, they should look to a swap deal that was originally rejected during the January transfer window.

Six months ago, United are said to have offered Facundo Pellistri to Sporting in a player-plus-cash swap deal to lower the initial fee, and this is an idea that they should revisit.

Despite not really shining at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old has shown time and time again on the international stage that he has bags of talent, with his Copa America debut drawing significant praise from international media.

Pellistri has been linked with multiple clubs across Europe and South America in the last month, so offering him to Sporting plus a fee of between £45-50 million may be tempting to the Portuguese club.

Hjulmand has starred for Denmark during the 2024 European Championships so far, having netted a brilliant strike against England last week. Former United defender Paul Parker has been raving about the 25-year-old’s abilities.

“I think he has been incredible,” Parker said. “I haven’t seen all his games at Sporting, but I’ve seen a few, and he has just completely dominated.”

“He became captain in Serie A at the age of 22, so that speaks of a kid with huge leadership qualities. Those are precisely the leadership qualities that Manchester United could use.”

“When I look at him, I see in many ways a younger version of Casemiro, and that’s something Manchester United could really use. He is good with the ball, strong in duels, and he would take a bullet for his teammates. He’s a bit crazy, which is cool.”

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