Manchester United have had an excellent start to July with Christopher Vivell joining Dan Ashworth to round out the new structure at the club.
Last week, Ineos seemed to have no hope of getting Dan Ashworth into the job this summer and recruitment would therefore have likely fallen to Jason Wilcox.
Fast-forward a week and now not only has Ashworth arrived but he’s brought in Christopher Vivell to join him which means exciting things for the transfers arriving at Manchester United this summer.
Vivell is notorious for his excellent finds at RB Leipzig and also Chelsea. Some of his recruits include Erling Haaland, Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez.
So with his arrival, we’ve looked at some potential players someone like Vivell could recommend to Ineos, with a particular emphasis on players who might not be household names yet, although could be excellent signings.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Ferdi Kadioglu – Fenerbahce
Name one on this list is less of an unknown prodigy after his breathtaking performances for Turkey during Euro 2024, but Ferdi Kadioglu must be the left-back signed this summer.
Kadioglu has long been a player destined for one of Europe’s top five leagues, but after his Euros campaign, he’s undeniable and must be the Luke Shaw replacement.
The 24-year-old is creative, excellent on the ball when dribbling or passing and an impressive tackler – being better numerically at all these than Shaw as per FBRef – which makes him suited perfectly for the Premier League.
Even before the Euros, he’s a player we’ve wanted Ineos to move for, and therefore Vivell should be suggesting this name to Ashworth. Fenerbahce wants £29m to sell him this summer, a fee United could even be eased with the inclusion of Victor Lindelof.
Sverre Halseth Nypan – Rosenborg
Next up is Norweigan prodigy and Martin Odegaard regen Sverre Halseth Nypan who currently plays for Rosenborg BK in Norway.
As far as prospects go, you’ll struggle to find one with more potential than Nypan who seemingly possesses all the qualities needed to be an excellent attacking midfielder.
His technical abilities are second to none for his age and he already possesses a high level of footballing intelligence at just 17. He is a player beyond his years and is as close to a sure thing as prospects come which is why he’s already been linked with United, last summer.
If signed, Nypan could realistically be the long-term solution to Bruno Fernandes once he either begins to deteriorate or moves on. He’d also be an easy target for Vivell to sell to the club, considering Wilcox is also reportedly a fan.
Mats Wieffer – Feyenoord
One priority position for United this summer is midfield with a partner for Kobbie Mainoo desired and while Manuel Ugarte seems to be priority number one, if that falls through Mats Wieffer is perfect.
The Feyenoord-based midfielder is everything Mainoo isn’t as a midfielder and thrives in defensive battles, although is also more than capable on the ball and going forward and shines when compared with his positional peers according to FBRef.
- 2.88 Tackles per 90 – top 10%
- 1.74 interceptions per 90 – top 7%
- 2.36 blocks per 90 – top 1%
- 3.13 aerials won per 90 – top 1%
- 8.03 progressive passes per 90 – top 6%
A potentially world-class player and at 24, he’s just waiting for his chance on the highest level. This is a deal United should be sniffing around as he could be a huge bargain with CIES valuing him between £23.7m and £33m.
Karim Konate – RB Salzburg
Ivory Coast international Karim Konate is one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe right now and is coming off a 20-goal season for RB Salzburg at the age of 20.
Konate has incredible finishing ability as attested to in his goal-scoring, but his finishing is lethal from both feet and also his head. He’s also very quick, agile and on top of this boasts impressive ball control which sees defenders struggle to get the ball off him.
The Salzburg man has all the instincts of a top-class striker in the box and outside of it which makes him well-placed to follow in the footsteps of previous Salzburg strikers such as Haaland.
Whether he is the profile United want to supplement and share the load with Rasmus Hojlund remains to be seen, but he is an excellent option up front who will no doubt be on Vivell’s radar with his fee unlikely to be above £25m according to his market value.
Sebastian Boselli – River Plate
United were reported earlier in 2024 to be keen on using the South American market and while Aaron Anselmino looks Stamford Bridge-bound, there is another impressive defender who could be an option.
Sebastian Boselli is the current No.2 at River Plate and has been likened to Sergio Ramos last year. At just 20, he is already a very talented defender with strong athleticism and physicality.
Boselli reads the game really well, as he showed by leading all players for interceptions during the U20 FIFA World Cup last year, while also leading in duels won as Uruguay won the tournament.
Not an immediate starter, but Boselli could easily be a Lindelof or Jonny Evans replacement in the squad and could become a starter through merit as he clearly has the talent.
This is exactly the profile we expect Vivell will be highlighting for Ineos and could be a real bargain as he is valued at around £5.1m according to CIES.
Semih Kilicsoy – Besiktas
Finally, we end this list with a Turkish striker who has already been reported to have caught United’s eye, although that only makes it easier for Vivell to make it happen.
Semih Kilicsoy was linked with an Old Trafford move back in February with a reported scouting trip impressing the club.
Still just 18, he enjoyed a ridiculously impressive first season in the Super Lig, scoring 11 times and assisting a further four in just 23 games.
He has been at Euro 2024 with Turkey but is yet to get a minute of action which will mean his price tag won’t have skyrocketed. While Besiktas have been reported to have a huge asking price, in reality, he is likely a player they’d settle on a price tag which was reported in February to be £21m, this could soon look like a bargain.
Kilicsoy is a strong technical striker who is versatile enough to play across the forward lines and even behind a striker. With interest also arising from Man City and Arsenal, United will need to move quickly if interest is there.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
