Osimhen, Haidara, Dumfries - Six cut-price transfer deals Manchester United could explore next summer
Man United have already started drawing up lists of potential targets weho will have just 12 months left on their contracts next summer
Manchester United are hardly known as a club that shops in the bargain basement.
While supporters may fairly criticise transfer policy, condemnation can never be levelled at the amount of spending. The Glazers have spent £1.5billion on new arrivals since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, with around £400million of that coming during Erik ten Hag’s reign alone.
In truth, United have been largely ripped off over the past decade for several underperforming stars. Players who arrived with fierce reputations have flattered to deceive, failing to replicate their former heights.
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With such huge outlays in recent years, United bosses set a £120million transfer budget over the summer due to Financial Fair Play concerns, with the kitty being added to with several departures. It could be a similar case next summer, with the Manchester Evening News revealing in August the Reds are eying targets whose contracts will be entering their final 12 months next year.
United intend to strengthen at full-back, centre-back, central midfield and in attack and there are several cut-price deals to be done. With that in mind, MEN Sport has profiled five players United chiefs could target who may be available at a discount next summer.
Denzel Dumfries
The Netherlands international has regularly been linked with a move to United in recent years and would fit the Reds' pattern of recruiting talent with Eredivisie experience under Erik ten Hag. Dumfries previously admitted he is not thinking about leaving Inter in the aftermath of the Champions League disappointment this summer.
Speaking while on international duty with the Netherlands in June, however, the full-back admitted that 'players come and go'. Dumfries said: “I’m very proud to play for this team. These last two years have been fantastic, and I’ve very proud whenever I’m driving to Appiano [Inter’s training ground].
“However, modern football is very dynamic. Players come and go. I have no reason to leave. I love Inter. But as I said before, you have to wait and see what happens. However, I’m very happy to play for Inter.”
Jonathan Tah
The Manchester Evening News revealed that United have been looking at Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba as a potential replacement should any of their current central defenders leave the club. A cut-price option, however, could be his teammate Jonathan Tah - who will have just 12 months left on his contract at the Bundesliga club next summer.
The physical centre-back has made 10 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen so far this season, scoring two goals.
Amadou Haidara
Formerly a target for Ralf Rangnick during his tenure at Old Trafford, Haidara is a deep-lying midfielder who could provide an alternative to Casemiro for United. His current club RB Leipzig have a history of bringing through some real gems in recent years and speculation ramped up when it emerged Haidara is a United fan.
"Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United," Haidara told Bild, as quoted by the Metro.
"I was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, Edwin van der Sar, Anderson. But if you want to talk to me about rumours: I’m at Leipzig and I feel good."
That could change should his current club decide to cash in on him next summer, however, and United could be the perfect side for him.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Linked with a move to United over the summer, it was reported that the Reds balked at Tottenham's £30million asking price. That fee could be much lower next summer, though, when the Denmark international will have just 12 months left on his contract.
Reports have also linked Juventus with a move for the no-nonsense midfielder, who would certainly add some steel in defensive midfield for Erik ten Hag, who he played under at Bayern Munich II.
Jonathan David
One of the most promising strikers in European football. David has attracted reported interest from Chelsea after netting 52 league goals across three seasons.
Still just 23, the Canadian would provide another long-term option to United’s striking options. David’s contract expires in 18 months and he is valued at £60million.
Victor Osimhen
Well, until recently, signing Osimhen appeared to be a pipe dream…
But a controversial video posted on Napoli’s TikTok account - where they mocked the Nigerian goal machine - now makes an exit seem likely. Osimhen was valued by chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis at £150million but he may have to lower those demands.
The 24-year-old also has 18 months left on his current deal. United had looked at Osimhen last season alongside Harry Kane before ultimately opting to bring in Rasmus Hojlund.
Could they return for the Nigerian next summer, though?
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