It’s fair to say that the Red Devils have been a team in transition for the last decade. Erik Ten Hag has brought some pride and respect back to the club, but they’re still a far cry from the feared dynasty they were in the late 90s and naughties.
Given that their owners have finally called it a day and put the club up for sale, some of the big-money signings brought in over the years haven’t paid dividends. And while Man UTD were not considered contenders for this year’s title, there is still a lot for fans to be interested in as the season ends and the transfer market rumours start to heat up. The general make up of the squad for next season could change greatly and the transfer season can be just as interesting and dramatic as the regular season fixtures. It is even possible to place a bet on what will happen in the transfer market, with most of the best football betting sites offering good returns to punters.
So today, we will look at the big names linked with a move to Old Trafford on a Bosman this season and see how likely they will play out.
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot has been touted as the next big French midfield star for years. He currently plays a pivotal role in the centre of the field for Juventus and is a player who is considered a fantastic all-rounder. Not only can he find the back of the net, but he can also defend well, trackback, and is technically proficient. Moreover, as one of France’s golden generation, he is a serial winner and has a World Cup finalist medal in his cabinet following the 2022 World Cup.
In addition, it looks like his style of play might be suited to the physicality of the Premier League. Given Utd’s increasing debt woes, which have passed half a billion in the last fiscal year, it could be a good move if they can avoid going in with a big offer. They could look to get him cheaper, given that he is out of contract this summer and is rumoured to fancy a move to the Premier League.
Wout Weghorst
This is one example of a player Man Utd has already picked up on the cheap. Although Weghorst isn’t finding the net as rapidly and consistently as some legendary Utd number 9’s, the fact that Ten Hag brought him in on loan and has a target man that can press high up the pitch gives United a fresh option up top that they didn’t previously have.
If he can rekindle some of his World Cup form, which saw him net a brace against the eventual winners Argentina, Utd might be interested in making his loan move a permanent one. Although the Red Devils have no option to buy him as part of the loan deal, if he has enjoyed his time at Old Trafford, you think he could force a move.
Moussa Dembele
Another fantastic talent that France has produced is Moussa Dembele. He has proved he can find the net all over Europe and has an impressive strike rate of 1 in every two games for Lyon.
While he has yet to hit the ground running in Spain, Dembele is renowned for his clinical poise in front of goal and has the physical attributes to cause problems for Premier League defenders.
However, Marcus Rashford is currently in the form of his life and once ranked as one of the most expensive players in the world, so Ten Hag will be hoping to have similar attacking prowess on the opposite wing as well.
In the past, Utd has also been linked with Kingsley Coman, another French starlet providing a similar option. However, Coman would come with a much higher price tag, given he is a serial winner whose only goal decided the 2020 Champions League final; he has a proven track record of operating at a higher level. In addition, Dembele also finds himself out of contract this summer and could leave Lyon on a free transfer.
Evan Ndicka
One of the shining lights and most prominent talents in French football, Frankfurt’s Ndicka is still only 23 but has found himself at the epicentre of colossal transfer rumours.
Ndicka has a tall frame and athletic ability, two critical variables for any defender looking to make it in the Premier League. So, it could be another good move considering Ndicka is out of contract this summer, but Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to monitor his situation closely.
Toni Kroos
Despite heading into the latter stages of his successful career, Kroos is one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He keeps himself in fantastic shape and brings incredible all-around ability. With an eye for goal, excellent passing range and vocal leadership, there isn’t a team in world football who wouldn’t benefit from his skills.
However, given that he’s just won yet another European Cup with Real Madrid and is often one of the first choices as a captain, he could well be on his way to lifting yet another European Cup. So, would he want to stray away from Europe’s biggest club to a Utd squad in transition? He is out of contract but has repeatedly stated he wishes to stay at the Spanish giants, so a move looks unlikely. If Ten Hag can convince him to see out the twilight of his career at England’s biggest club, he could be one of the final pieces that push Utd back into the title and European contention.