Manchester United’s summer transfer plans include trying to sign players who are entering the final year of their contract, according to a report.
The Red Devils focused on streamlining Erik ten Hag’s squad during the January window, failing to make a single signing despite the manager’s vocal hopes of bringing in a striker.
90min reported early last month that Timo Werner was on their shortlist prior to his loan move from RB Leipzig to Tottenham Hotspur, while Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy was also of interest.
United’s desire to remain within the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules meant they had little room for manoeuvre last month, but ESPN report they should have a little more flexibility in the summer though budgets will remain ‘tight’.
With that in mind, United believe targeting players whose contracts will soon as expire will be a handy way of managing how much they spend.
Mason Mount’s arrival from Chelsea last summer was viewed in a similar fashion, with the Red Devils informed he would not sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge ahead of its 2024 expiry and that the Blues were reluctant to lose him on a free transfer. The midfielder has, however, spent much of his debut United season sidelined with injury.
Among the top players out of contract in 2025 are Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Lille’s Jonathan David, though the report does not explicitly say if these are names on United’s radar.
Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies is also named, but it is said he would prefer to sign for Real Madrid should he leave the Allianz Arena this summer.
What we know
- Man Utd did not bring in any players during January transfer window
- Club’s budgets said to be ‘tight’ for summer
- Red Devils eyeing players on cut-price deals due to their contract situations.