Ajax forward Brian Brobbey is being watched by Erik ten Hag, who is considering him as a possible striker to challenge Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United transfer plans could be scuppered by Saudi Arabia signing U-turn
A shift in strategy from wealthy With two players they are still willing to sell, Manchester United might be swayed by clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
United were hoping to rebuild their roster before the transfer season reopened, and they welcomed bids for five first-team squad members, including Raphael Varane and Casemiro. Subject to Premier League approval, they have INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe on board, so they are looking forward.
Anthony Martial is certain to leave Old Trafford this summer as a free agent, while Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho have already found new homes, although on loan. But Varane and Casemiro could be worth a pretty penny when it comes time to sell.United might benefit financially from Casemiro’s presence. He arrived at Old Trafford last summer from Real Madrid for a cost of £60 million and his contract is still two and a half years long.
What the future holds for Varane, though, is anyone’s guess. United still have the option to extend his contract when it expires in six months, although the Frenchman is not guaranteed a new deal.
United maintains that no players would be let go, but the lucrative Saudi market, which has become a global power in the last year or two, could entice Varane and Casemiro, should they decide to leave. That star-studded European flight was started by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Nevertheless, a change in strategy may be on the horizon, despite the fact that the Gulf state’s subsidized clubs had previously targeted some of the world’s most famous players. The Daily Mail has reported that, as part of a new plan, the emphasis may move to top-tier Academy candidates.
After spending a combined £700 million on Ronaldo and the others, Pro League clubs are reportedly expected to shift their focus to the future and prepare for a new era, with the announcement that they will be allowed to register ten overseas players in their squads for next season instead of eight.
In such event, United may not have the option to use PIF funds to increase the prices of players like Varane and Casemiro, forcing them to seek other destinations for their disposal.