Manchester United, under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are adopting a strategic approach in the transfer market. As reported by a source to ESPN, the club is focusing on players who are entering the final year of their contracts this summer. Despite concerns about breaching profit and sustainability rules, United have managed to improve their financial situation by allowing several players to leave in the January transfer window. This financial prudence has left the club with money to spend in the upcoming transfer window.
The decision to target players approaching the end of their contracts is seen as a prudent way to manage the summer spending. For instance, Mason Mount’s contract situation made him an attractive prospect for United last summer. The club was informed that Mount would not renew his contract with Chelsea, prompting the west London club to facilitate his departure rather than risk losing him for free a year later. United are now exploring similar deals, with players like Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan David, and Khephren Thuram all set to be out of contract in 2025.
Manchester City is one of the clubs interested in Germany international Joshua Kimmich, who will be entering the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich. Another player of interest is Alphonso Davies, a Bayern defender set to enter the final year of his contract in the summer. Sources have indicated that Real Madrid is Davies’ preferred choice if he decides to leave the Allianz Arena. The competition for top talent in the market is fierce, with clubs vying for players who offer value both on the field and in terms of their contractual situation.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are looking to make further changes at Manchester United by appointing a new director of football in the coming weeks. Despite the ongoing changes behind the scenes, the club has already begun planning for the summer transfer window. The confirmation of Ratcliffe’s 25% stake in the club is expected by mid-February, signaling a new era in United’s ownership structure. The focus on securing players with expiring contracts is part of the broader strategy to rebuild the squad and compete at the highest level.
Manchester United’s approach to targeting players with contract expiry this summer reflects a calculated financial strategy geared towards long-term success. By leveraging the contractual situations of top players, the club is aiming to strengthen its squad while also maintaining financial stability. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on United’s recruitment decisions and how they shape the team for the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply