Maguire, Pepe, Fernandes – How Much Is Realistic?
Manchester United are being heavily linked with moves for Harry Maguire, Nicolas Pepe and Bruno Fernandes. With the potential leave of Romelu Lukaku to Inter, that would leave another possible space to fill. But how much is actually realistic for Man United to do in this part of the transfer window.
The remaining space for signing players is now 16 days long, which means – not much time. At the latter stages of the transfer window, the prices usually sky rocket, especially if clubs like Man United are buying. Tottenham Hotspur were one of the clubs that were known for signing players late, which even led them to signing Davinson Sanchez on the last day of transfer window two years ago for then huge 40 million pounds.
But with Man United needing to get a new centre-back, a central midfielder and a winger – and that is at the least, per many fans – the club could get into a lot of trouble. As we will later see, the Devils need to wrap up Harry Maguire deal as soon as possible, but Nicolas Pepe deal is still not that close to completing. Man United could realistically sign just one of them or maybe one of those three and one backup option, which was not top of their priorities.
The media talk is not going to stop until the end of transfer window, but it is a big question how much of that talk wil materialize in the end.
The Alderweireld Clause
And now we get to the reason why Man United need to finish the negotiations with Leicester City for Harry Maguire as soon as possible. The Devils have made him their centre-back priority, whilst Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld is the backup option if the deal falls through. However, Alderweireld’s reported release clause of 25 million pounds is not infinite. In fact, it will expire on Friday if not triggered prior to that.
If, say, Maguire talks fall through and Man United do not struck a deal on time with Spurs, Daniel Levy could easily increase his asking price. Telegraph are even reporting that Spurs would in that case be asking for about 40 million pounds, a big increase on current clause.
That is a big reason for Devils to try and speed up the negotiations with the Foxes, so that the Plan B does not fall through. However, right now it looks like United are on a good path to final struck a deal for Maguire.
What Are The Targets This Season?
Yes, the transfer window is not over just yet and Man United are expected to improve their squad before the first round of Premier League matches. But what should be the expectations for the next season? Should Man United be satisfied with another Europa League trophy, or should the top four be the absolute must now that they were far from it last season?
Luke Shaw spoke about the changes during pre-season and how this will be a new Man United. But the fans should not get too excited. At least not yet. For now, let’s just return to Champions League football.
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