For Manchester United, the summer transfer window was all about improving a leaky defense and adding steel and cunning to the center of the park.
Erik ten Hag brought in Lisandro Martínez to bolster the defence, while the acquisitions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have completely revolutionized United’s midfield.
There are still a few gaps to fill, none more important than buying a striker as soon as possible after Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational departure.
The search for the United striker is complicated
The Portuguese was the club’s top scorer last season and the club needs to have an elite scorer. United are currently the second lowest in terms of goals scored among the top 10 clubs with just 20 goals scored so far.
Many names like Cody Gakpo, Goncalo Ramos and Joao Félix have been mentioned as possible options. But nailing those deals won’t be easy considering the club’s financial situation.
The Red Devils had spent over £200m in the summer and are in no condition to turn enthusiastic in January. So deals in excess of £50m will not be easy.
According to The Athletic, “United spent £218m on transfers in the three months since 1 July. That has left them with outstanding transfers to other clubs of £306m.”
Memphis Payment | Manchester United is thinking of signing the Dutchman
• Barcelona are no longer interested in releasing him
• You would need a transfer fee to get the output you want https://t.co/85QuogkKwY #mufc
— Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) December 12, 2022
Gakpo’s glittering World Cup has ensured that PSV Eindhoven will not sell their star asset for less than £50m, while Felix’s price is over €100m. The same goes for the Portuguese hero of the round of 16, Ramos.
Barcelona’s Memphis Depay could be the favorite option in that case. The Dutch international had an important role to play, as he started five matches and scored one goal at the World Cup.
Depay wants to leave the Catalan giants in search of regular minutes and United could be prepared to bring him back considering the relatively low costs involved.
Depay could be an economic solution
Barca were open to letting the former United star leave for free in the summer, but after seeing him start for Louis Van Gaal’s side in Qatar, they changed their minds.
According to SPORT (via Sport Witness), “Barcelona was once prepared to let him go for free, that has changed, and they already warned those around them that ‘they will only let him go if the club benefits financially’, which did not happen in the summer”.
The only positive for the striker is the fact that there are multiple clubs interested in taking over his services. Roma ‘have tried’ already, while ‘Manchester United is thinking about it’.
While no cost has been mentioned, it’s safe to assume the price will be much less than United’s other three targets.
It remains to be seen if the club brings a stopgap solution or if they decide to splurge on their main goal.
