Manchester United is strategizing for a summer transfer budget ranging from £150-170m, with a substantial portion anticipated to be generated through player sales, according to sources. Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s completion of a minority takeover and his involvement in the January transfer window plan, he is now preparing for his first full window in charge.
Notable players not in Erik ten Hag’s plans, such as Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek, are set to be made available for transfer. Additionally, players like Antony, signed for £86m from Ajax in 2022, could be offloaded after a challenging period at Old Trafford, with potential interest from Saudi dealmakers.
While Antony’s destination remains uncertain, there is interest from Saudi Arabia in various other United players. Director of football John Murtough’s visit to the Middle East during the Club World Cup is indicative of United’s efforts to build relationships with Saudi dealmakers.
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Casemiro is a target for Al Hilal, while Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are pursuing deals for Raphael Varane. With hopes of achieving a total summer budget of £170m, plans include signings in the striker, center-back, and full-back positions. An attacking midfielder is also on the radar, with Michael Olise from Crystal Palace already approved by Ratcliffe.
Regarding forwards, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is no longer a target, but RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy are under consideration. AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are admired but seen as unrealistic targets. Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah are potential center-back options, while Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has been scouted as a left-back option.