Manchester United’s blockbuster summer transfer window doesn’t have to be expensive with one free agent a ‘must have’ for Ineos.
Despite Ineos‘ three signings in January, a striker was not secured – which means Ruben Amorim will have to see out the campaign with his £108m duo who have five Premier League goals combined this season.
Amorim outlined his desire for a new forward, but it appears he will have to wait until the summer to get this wish granted by Manchester United.
If given an open chequebook, there are a number of strikers who would fit perfectly into Amorim’s system.
Viktor Gyokeres is surely Amorim’s top choice for the position, with a summer move looking favourable considering he would cost £58m from Sporting Lisbon.
Another interesting option is Victor Osimhen who was linked with United in the January window. However, United may have to look into more budget options to bolster the front line.
Manchester United looking at free agency this summer
The financial struggles of Manchester United this year are no secret, with the PSR concerns likely to impact United’s business in the summer.
This could hinder United’s ability to sign a first-class striker this summer – forcing United to find solutions at cheaper fees and potentially even free agents.
Laurie Whitwell has delved into the search for a striker at Carrington and wrote an in-depth piece for The Athletic outlining the latest on the situation.
“Given United’s financial position,” it is explained. “There might be a temptation to look at the free agency market, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 27, and Jamie Vardy, 38, both out of contract in the summer. That, though, would go against the plan for youth.”
It is safe to say that if United brought Calvert-Lewin or Vardy to Old Trafford, there would be uproar amongst fans, while Amorim wouldn’t be happy either.
Therefore, United should instead be honing in on Lille striker Jonathan David – who is also available for free. David is a rare opportunity, given he is a far better option than another name The Athletic has linked with United, Liam Delap, and would cost £40m less than the former Man City academy player.
Jonathan David would delight Ruben Amorim
United have previously been interested in signing David, and with his contract expiring this summer Ineos have to be front of the queue for his signature as he is superb.
David has 29 goal contributions this season (20 goals 9 assists) in just 35 games which dwarfs United’s striker’s combined tallies.
Importantly, David ticks the box of Amorim’s big demand to United this summer, which is that signings will bring intensity to the club.
“He is always playing for the team, he likes to score but he’s always happy when he can give an assist for a team-mate,” former Lille boss Jocelyn Gourvennec said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“He hits 12 kilometres every game, those numbers are like a midfielder. He has high-intensity efforts, always.
“Every three or four days, when you have to play two games in a week, it’s not a problem for him because he has a high level of recovery.”
With Delap emerging as a target for around £40m – we’d much rather that the 25-year-old David arrived for free considering he is much better at football and could completely revolutionise this team.
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