Five players Man Utd could sign this summer after quiet January transfer window
January proved to be a quiet month for Manchester United once again, with Erik ten Hag's side busy on the pitch on deadline day but quiet in the transfer market in its final throes.
Back in December, football director John Murtough indicated the club didn't see the January window as a period to do significant business. Even so, some might have hoped for a last-minute surprise akin to the loan swoop for Marcel Sabitzer 12 months ago.
It wasn't to be, though, and the last month has been all about outgoings for United. More than a dozen players have moved on, either on loan or permanently, with Isak Hansen-Aaroen's late departure underlining where the club's priorities lay.
The summer is different, though, or at least it could be. United's plans are likely to be impacted by their league finish, with uncertainty over their European involvement next term, and a failure to reach the Champions League could impact the calibre of player willing to join.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival likely to be followed by a statement signing or two, Mirror Football has assessed some of the options. And if United can offload some members of the current squad, there could be even more money to put towards new arrivals.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Giorgio Scalvini
United have not been afraid to do business with Atalanta over the years, with mixed results. Rasmus Hojlund has finally begun to kick into gear in the Premier League after a slow start, but winger Amad has found things tougher for a variety of reasons.
Next up could be Scalvini. The centre-back only turned 20 in December, but has been a Serie A regular for more than a year and scored his first European goal against Sporting CP earlier this season.
Who should Manchester United sign this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Giorgio Scalvini broke into the Italy senior setup as a teenager (APA/AFP via Getty Images)After being handed his international debut by Roberto Mancini in 2022, the youngster admitted he was comfortable in midfield as well as in his preferred role at centre-back. With questions over the longer-term future of Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane, a younger model could be just the ticket.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Speaking of young centre-backs, Branthwaite is a little older than Scalvini at 21 but would come with Premier League experience. The England under-21 international has impressed at the back for Everton this term, while also got regular top-flight football last season under Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been a regular for Everton this season (Paul Phelan/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)United were among several clubs linked with a January swoop for the ex-Carlisle man, with some reports suggesting he might set them back around £40m. Whether that fee remains the same come June, with question marks over Everton's need to cash in, remains in the balance.
"I think when all of those clubs are interested and watching your games, it's gonna be one of them where you take notice," Branthwaite exclusively told Mirror Football in May amid reports of interest from United and Roma. Since then, though, Sean Dyche has shown he sees him as a key player and Everton are unlikely to let him leave without a fight.
Joao Neves
Joao Neves already has Champions League experience with Benfica (MANUEL FERNANDO ARAUJO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Benfica star Neves was another mentioned in connection with United in January, only for his club to firmly deny any talks had begun. "Sport Lisboa e Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over its player João Neves," the Portuguese giants said.
"Under no circumstances did Sport Lisboa e Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from their formation – nor does it intend to do so – so any information that points in another direction is false," the statement continued. Based on Neves' form, though, links can hardly be considered a surprise.
The 19-year-old has played 19 league games this season, scoring once from his defensive midfield berth. He also didn't miss a minute in the Champions League as Benfica finished third in their group behind Real Sociedad and Internazionale.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson scored his first Premier League hat-trick in September (Getty Images)Erik ten Hag admitted Financial Fair Play concerns stood in the way of United adding another striker in January. Anthony Martial's injury saw the club explore what might be possible, and the Frenchman could well leave in the summer to leave a gap.
There are several candidates to fill that gap, and Brighton striker Ferguson is among them. If Ten Hag wants young talent, the Irishman - who scored his first Premier League hat-trick earlier this season - certainly ticks the boxes.
Ferguson signed a new long-term contract with Brighton in 2023, so any hopes of a cut-price deal might be far-fetched. Still, the Irish international would be seen as an investment for now and in the future, similar to summer signing Hojlund.
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has impressed since moving to Newcastle (Getty Images)On the subject of FFP, another team unable to spent in January was Newcastle United. Indeed, Eddie Howe's men may need to sell before they can buy, with Bruno Guimaraes already being linked with some of the Premier League's big hitters.
The Brazilian's quality is evident, as is his ability to cut it in the Premier League. Newcastle won't want to sell one of their key men, but there have been suggestions they might have little choice.
Of course, United themselves might need to find takers for some of their current squad members to fit in a swoop. If Casemiro's Saudi Pro League links bear fruit, though, then fans may well dare to dream.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
