Manchester United are always on the lookout for a market opportunity, and now this has presented itself in Ligue 1.
Ineos’ total efforts this summer have been focused on the attack thus far.
Manchester United’s goal scoring was arguably the biggest weakness for Ruben Amorim’s side. To solve it, United have signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, paying his release clause in a significant upgrade on the left.
In addition, United are on the final hurdle to sign Bryan Mbeumo in a deal which has taken weeks to complete, but could have a transformational impact on the club.
Having this pair make United a drastically better team who are multiple times more dangerous, with a new number nine also expected to be targeted this summer.
As a result of this, United are set to sell four attacking players, which would leave slim options. However, now United could add some high potential depth in the offence for potentially a fee that would be a complete bargain.
Here is why.
Manchester United could get Malick Fofana for a bargain this summer
On Tuesday, it was announced that French football giants Lyon were set to be relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial issues at the club which they were warned of earlier this year.
A failure to raise the required funds therefore has had huge consequences, and in events like this, it is normal for a fire-sale to ensue at the club in question, to raise as much as possible for when they appeal the decision.
Star players will be inclined to move, and in a possible fire-sale, Ineos could benefit by picking up wonderkid Malick Fofana for very cheap.
United have been linked with a £42m move for Fofana, but this was before Lyon’s world came crumbling down. Now, it has been claimed by Nexus Sports, that Fofana had a relegation release clause in his contract which is valued at just £25m.
This 40 per cent drop in potential cost of Fofana will alert most of the Premier League and no doubt create a frantic battle to secure his signing, a race United need to be involved in.
Fofana was so impressive at Old Trafford, and signing him as a replacement for Alejandro Garnacho is the perfect move by Ineos, for potentially less than half the price.
This would be an opportunistic deal by Ineos, but it is a move which has massive upside for the Red Devils.
Where would Fofana play for United?
With Cunha and Mbeumo no doubt the starters for Amorim, signing Fofana would be a luxury move, likely only possible after selling a handful of players this summer.
Despite not having a clear role to slot into within United’s starting line-up, Fofana rarely started for Lyon anyway, and so would be happy as a squad player while he develops.
The Belgian’s speed and direct dribbling would offer something different to United’s current options in the two number 10 roles, but he might also be an option elsewhere.
With his dribbling more suited to the wing, Fofana at left wing-back might be an interesting option for Amorim, offering a more offence-first option for United when needed.
The upsides to signing Fofana are huge, which makes it a deal United should consider too good to refuse, especially if Lyon are forced into a fire-sale.
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