Manchester United’s sluggish start to the season has been a cause for concern to fans all around the world. The stalling of the deal for Jadon Sancho raised questions about United’s transfer policy and decision-making system.
Tier 2 Rob Blanchette has been United’s unlikely savior from this criticism. Instead, he provided an alternative view about how United are smart to hold their transfer business until the later stages of the summer transfer window.
Blanchette believes that United are likely to benefit from “the COVID crash” and would now be able to get their transfers at reduced prices.
This view is also supported by Juventus president Andre Agnelli who said: “The absence of supporters from stadiums due to social distancing measures has meant ‘the complete wipeout of an important source of revenue for everybody’ and predicted a downturn in sponsorship revenue and a 20 to 30 percent drop in the overall value of the transfer market”.
Agnelli, who is also the chief of the European Club Association, said the game was in the midst of a financial crisis that has left rights holders seeking compensation from UEFA,
This uncertainty of money could lead to a reduced price tag for all the transfers happening this summer. Nearly all of the football clubs have been affected by the financial crises due to the COVID outbreak and the only way to stem the losses is to sell their prized assets ie. the players.
As the buying club would also have been affected by the financial difficulties, the price of the deal has to drop to appease the buying party and in turn complete a successful transfer.
This is how it can help Manchester United –
Manchester United have always insisted on the price of Sancho being too high due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The viruses lasting effects are sure to be felt on nearly every club’s finances for a few seasons to come.
Borussia Dortmund have stubbornly held on to its price tag of £108 million for the English star.
Manchester United target Kalidou Koulibaly has also seen his price tag drop according to reports.
Gazzetta Dello Sport claims that Koulibaly’s original price of €100m (£87m) is unobtainable right now. Instead, he could move on for as ‘little’ as €70m (£62m).
The biggest example of this drop is the move of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea this summer. According to Blanchett, Chelsea signed Havertz for a reduced price of £71m (almost a 30% discount).
This could be a huge boost for Manchester United. United’s recent signing Donny Van De Beek for £40m is a fantastic piece of business for the 23-year-old Dutchman. United need more of such deals.
The club are also trying to sign a left-back. Alex Telles and Sergio Reguilon have both been linked to the Red Devils. One of them is expected to play for United next season.
Another example of reduced prices is Telles’ case. He’s available for a €25m fee. A year ago, Porto’s asking price was €40m.
It remains to be seen whether the financial constraints would hinder Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans for the market.
With just over a month remaining for the window to fall shut, it remains to be seen whether the price drop will help United get their desired players to Old Trafford or not.
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