Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks to sign a stunning £50 million Championship duo as Rúben Amorim looks to add young talent to his Old Trafford squad.
Manchester United are looking to inject young talent into Rúben Amorim’s squad this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS delegation look to build a squad for the future.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club over ten years ago, the club have maintained a transfer policy of signing the best and brightest footballers from around the world, incurring substantial fees for players such as Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and Antony over the last decade.
However, with United’s finances in serious trouble and the club strapped for cash, they have now pivoted toward a transfer policy of signing value-for-money players who they feel can grow into star talents at Old Trafford under Amroim.
In the January window, United started this process by bringing in Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu from Lecce and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, and are set to commit further funds to young signings this coming summer.
United eyeing stunning Championship duo
Back in December, UtdDistrict revealed that the club were set to act on their interest in Sunderland talent Jobe Bellingham this summer, with the player holding a profile United feel would fit well in Amorim’s system.
Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has confirmed to United in Focus that the club have also sent a proposal to Sunderland’s other stunning talent, centre-back Chris Rigg, who is gathering interest from across England and Europe.
“The interest in Rigg is staggering, as so many clubs want him; more than half of the Premier League and even more abroad,” Bailey explained.
“United have made a compelling case to him, but I am told that Rigg is not yet willing to make his decision. Borussia Dortmund are really hopeful and their link is strong, as Daniel Dodds, their chief scout, is close to him after being made aware of him some years ago by his brother Mike Dodds, now Wycombe boss, who worked with him at Sunderland.
“Likewise, Dortmund are fully aware of Bellingham. Within football, there is an acceptance that Bellingham has taken a huge step forward this season. His stats through analytics are described as ‘off the charts’, and United’s new footballing department has a strong analytics presence.
“Bellingham is now firmly in United’s sights, as well as analytics, the one thing scouts like about him is his athleticism – they think he could be a very good fit as one of the attacking midfielders in Ruben Amorim’s system.
“United failed to land Jude in 2020, but they could now get a deal over the line with Jobe. The cost of Bellingham, which would be less than £30 million, would also tie in with United’s finances for this summer.”
How much would Rigg cost this summer?
With Bailey confirming that the transfer of 19-year-old Bellingham would cost United less than £30 million, it has been claimed that Rigg would likely cost a similar fee, too.
17-year-old Rigg, whose talents have been positively described as “terrifying“, is set to command a fee of £20 million to £30 million, as per a report from the Sunderland Echo.
With both players’ values seemingly sitting at around £25 million each, United would be able to secure the duo for around £50 million, or a little more, but well within the finances United have available this summer.
United are said to be waiting to understand whether or not they will be playing Champions League football next season before finalising their transfer plans under a limited budget. Champions League football would gift United at least an £85 million in revenue.
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