A trip to the Champions League increases United’s transfer budget. The British press predicts the departure of five players. De Gea may be the main loss. Purchasing Koulibaly, Oblak, and Sancho is a priority for United.
Manchester United won a trip to the Champions League in the last round. This changes not only the sporting success but also the financial ones. Playing in the league is an additional income for clubs that exceed 100 million. Consequently, United’s transfer budget was mostly dependent on playing in the Champions League.
The English press is already writing today about Manchester’s transfer strategy. According to the British press, Manchester does not want to leave Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez, who are already loaned this season. With them, Jesse Lingard also will leave the team, who has lost form and is competing for his position with the young Mason Greenwood and Daniel James. He is followed by Phil Jones, who has only played twice this season.
Oblak instead of De Gea?
The main story is the possible departure of David De Gea. De Gea has made many result errors in the last season, and his price in the transfer market is still very high. Consequently, if United find a buyer who will pay a good price in De Gea, the Spanish goalkeeper will be on the sale list.
In return, Manchester United are targeting Athletic Jan Oblak, who is on Atletico’s list for sale due to the financial crisis. Oblak has been playing at a very high level for several seasons.
The position of the central defender for Manchester is of strategic importance, where Victor Lindelof does not look so convincing. The best option would be to buy Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. However, the Senegalese has a great price, and other giants besides United also want to sign him. Consequently, Lille’s young Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes is considered an additional option, one of the discoveries of this season.
United are planning to invest in young British talent this year as well. The transfers of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho will be part of this policy. Both of these players want to change their current club.