Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s debut summer transfer window at Manchester United would be heavily restricted by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), The Telegraph reports.
There has been plenty of excitement and anticipation since the British billionaire received Premier League approval to complete his £1.03 billion deal for a 28.9% stake in the club.
With the deal nearing a conclusion, the INEOS chairman has wasted no time revamping United’s recruitment set-up, with a new sporting director expected to oversee the summer transfer business.
However, United fans will be disappointed to learn that Ratcliffe may not be able to spend as much as they’d imagined, with the club struggling to adhere to PSR regulations.
United have splashed out around £555 million over the previous three summer windows, including their £200m+ splurge last summer to recruit Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Mason Mount.
However, they have struggled to raise significant funds through player sales, which means Ratcliffe would have little financial wiggle room in preparation for his debut summer in charge.
United’s financial situation could be worsened if Erik ten Hag’sside fail to secure Champions League qualification this season.
The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League, five points adrift of the final Champions League place. But they’re gaining momentum after winning their last four league games in a row.
If they fail to secure a top-four finish, their spending power will diminish further, but the club have begun taking steps to offload some of their high earners, starting with putting together a revamped recruitment team.
United are determined to land Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, while Southampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox is also on their radar.
They will look to recoup some funds by offloading some of their high earners such as Jadon Sancho and Casemiro, while Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are expected to leave the club this summer.