Manchester United recently made a big statement as they confirmed an agreement to sign midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid for around £70 million.
The Brazilian has become the club’s fourth signing of the summer after Tyrell Malacia (£15.7m), Christian Eriksen (free transfer) and Lisandro Martinez (£57m).
United’s current outlay in the transfer market stands at £142.7m and judging by their transfer targets, there could be another £270m plus spent on new recruits.
The club are actively looking to bolster their attack before the transfer window closes, and De Telegraaf confirmed yesterday that both Antony and Cody Gakpo could be signed.
United have already failed with two bids for the former, and it is now quite clear that they must meet Ajax’s £85m price tag to secure the Brazilian’s services.
Meanwhile, Gakpo could be available for a much lesser fee. PSV Eindhoven could sanction the Dutchman’s sale over the coming days for around £42m.
Aside from the duo, a move for Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha could still be on the cards, particularly if Cristiano Ronaldo pushes for an exit before the window shuts.
The Brazilian was a regular substitute for the Spanish outlet last term, but bagged seven goals and eight assists. He registered a goal contribution in every 35 minutes for them.
He currently has a release clause worth £85m on his contract with Atletico, but a £50m bid could test their resolve, considering Diego Simeone continues to start him on the bench.
Apart from the attacking trio, a new right-back could be pursued by United before the transfer deadline.
Barcelona’s Sergino Dest appears the priority target for manager Erik ten Hag, having worked together at Ajax. The La Liga giants seem prepared to sell him for around £17m.
A back-up goalkeeper is also being considered with the inconsistent form of David de Gea so far this season.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer has been highlighted as a possible transfer target. The Switzerland could be a solid competitor with his better distribution skills.
It is unclear how much he would cost from Gladbach, but the 33-year-old is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt. It represents a fair value with his deal expiring next summer.
Aside from the above mentioned players, United still seem optimistic of landing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong despite the lack of progress on the player’s side over the past month.
The Red Devils agreed a package of £72m for the Netherlands star last month, but the proposal has since expired with United failing to finalise personal terms with the midfielder.
Despite this, they have not given up on the pursuit as per De Telegraaf. Barcelona need funds to register Jules Kounde, and United still believe they can persuade De Jong to join them.
If United can realistically sign all of their transfer targets, there could be another £270.5m spent on six new signings. This would take their summer spending spree to a staggering £413.2m.
This is the type of expenditure that was anticipated from United when the rebuild began under Ten Hag, and it remains to be seen whether the hierarchy can land all of the manager’s desired targets.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
