Manchester United could activate a £30 million sale to the Saudi Pro League despite the Premier League transfer window closing on Monday.
Manchester United raised significant funds in the closing stages of the summer transfer window as Rúben Amorim oversaw a squad overhaul.
Alejandro Garnacho’s £40 million transfer to Chelsea is the club’s biggest deal so far, though Rasmus Højlund’s future could surpass it.
The striker has joined Napoli on a season-long loan worth £5 million, with Antonio Conte’s side obligated to pay £38 million for a permanent move if they secure Champions League qualification.
Antony was sold to Real Betis for £21.7 million plus 50% of any future transfer fee, while Marcus Rashford completed a loan switch to Barcelona. The La Liga club hold the option to make the move permanent next summer for around £30 million.
Jadon Sancho also left on a season-long loan to Aston Villa, with the Premier League side paying an undisclosed fee and covering between 80-100% of his wages depending on performance bonuses.
United open to Onana Saudi sale
Amid all the exits on deadline day, United also announced the signing of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for an initial £18.2 million transfer, with the Belgian becoming United’s fourth first-team goalkeeper.
It has been reported that Amorim and United are happy to keep Lammens alongside André Onana, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayındır, as Onana’s departure to AFCON for a few weeks across the Christmas and New Year period would otherwise leave Amorim short of options.
However, a report from FootballInsider has explained that a possible transfer of Onana to the Saudi Pro League could be on the cards this month, with the Middle Eastern league’s transfer window not closing until 23 September.
According to The Athletic, United informed suitors this summer that any transfer fee for the Cameroon international must sit at least £30 million.
Bayındır could be handed permanent XI upgrade
Onana has only started one of United’s four games so far this season, a disastrous loss against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round, with Bayındır having played all three Premier League ties so far.
Bayındır has by no means been perfect, having looked uncomfortable defending his own six-yard box during set-piece situations, but has generally looked more comfortable in goal than Onana so far this campaign, with Amorim labelling him an “unbelievable” goalkeeper at his best.
Multiple reports have suggested that while United see Lammens as a 23-year-old with the potential to become a long-term first-choice goalkeeper, he is not seen as an immediate No. 1, but will instead develop within the coaching set-up and fight for his place.
Therefore, if Onana were to be sold to the Saudi Pro League this month, Bayındır could find himself upgraded to becoming United’s first-choice goalkeeper for the coming season, with Lammens pushing him for a starting spot.
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