Manchester United are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as Erik ten Hag looks to initiate phase two of his rebuild of the Old Trafford club.
Ten Hag welcomed six new players to the club in his first summer window, with several of his recruits turning out to be shrewd pieces of business.
Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro immediately endeared themselves to supporters and are in the running to be named United’s Player of the Year, whilst Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen have both greatly improved the squad.
United’s priority was to strengthen the midfield last summer and Ten Hag will feel like he did just that but Jude Bellingham, the Borussia Dortmund superstar, has continued to be linked with a move to the Reds.
Bellingham was agonisingly close to joining the club in 2020 but a move never materialised and he instead ended up joining the German giants from Birmingham.
Now, roughly three years on from his move to Dortmund, he is expected to leave the club as some of Europe’s biggest clubs are lining up for his signature.
It is, however, being reported that United are not expected to engage in a bidding war to sign Bellingham as they have priorities elsewhere on the pitch.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who say that United are, as things stand, putting a move for a striker before anything else and they are also aware of the financial muscle a move for Bellingham would need.
It’s reported that United must qualify for the Champions League and sell some players to not violate Financial Fair Play regulations.
SN’s verdict…
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Real Madrid and Manchester City will battle it out for Bellingham’s signature and realistically, it would not be smart for United to burn their entire budget on one player when there are other areas in far more pressing need of addressing.
Bellingham is a talented player but Ten Hag will argue that he is close to assembling the midfield he wants and signing a striker should be a priority.
United have struggled to score goals in the league this season and Marcus Rashford is he only potent goal threat – something Ten Hag will be desperate to change going into next season.
