Sheikh Jassim has not been confirmed as Manchester United’s new owner, but the billionaire has already approved 10 transfer targets that he wants to see at Old Trafford come August.
The new owner of Manchester United is yet to be confirmed, but that has not stopped Sheikh Jassim, one of the frontrunners along with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, from identifying and approving 10 possible new signings ahead of the summer window.
The Qatari billionaire, like the rest of United’s fanbase, is waiting for the final verdict as the takeover process has continued to drag on.
It is far from ideal for United’s transfer plans, with the window set to open in two weeks.
According to El Pais, the club are planning one of the largest ‘market assaults’ in the history of the game.
United have a 10-man transfer shortlist that has been approved by their prospective owner, which includes three strikers, three midfielders, two left wingers and two centre backs.
First of all, the three strikers in question are none other than Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic.
Manchester United’s long-term interest in Harry Kane is well-documented, as he is their no.1 attacking target this summer having scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, with 28 coming in the league alone.
Osimhen would not be a bad choice though, as the Nigerian striker fired in a cool 28 goals in all competitions as Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time in over 30 years, as Osimhen became one of Europe’s elite strikers.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with United before, but the Serbian seems to be the least desirable of the trio, having scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.
In terms of midfielders, there are three main targets in Adrien Rabiot, Frenkie de Jong and Alexis Mac Allister.
Rabiot and de Jong both look set to join the Red Devils last summer, but both moves failed to materialise for varying reasons.
Rabiot is set to leave Turin this summer on a free transfer, making the deal easier to complete and for negotiations to be shorter, as it only needs to be done with the player.
Frenkie de Jong played for Barcelona against United in this season’s Europa League, getting knocked out 4-3 on aggregate in the round of 32. (Credit: PA Images)
De Jong to United seemed almost certain last summer, eventually becoming the club’s annual transfer saga, though he ultimately decided to stay in Barcelona – though his status at the club may still be in question due to Barcelona’s financial difficulties.
Mac Allister has emerged as a bit of a star at Brighton this season, helping guide the Seagulls to a top 6 finish, though it seems like Liverpool are in pole position to secure the Argentinian’s signature.
Despite United already having Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho as options on the left wing, it seems like Sheikh Jassim wants to further strengthen that side, with the two main targets being Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kingsley Coman.
Kvaratskhelia has surprised everyone this season, emerging as a skilful, bright spark for Napoli as they secured the Scudetto, combining with Osimhen to help make up Serie A’s most deadly attack this season as the 22-year-old grabbed 12 goals and 10 assists in the league.
Kingsley Coman has previously been linked to the Red Devils, and could yet move there from Bayern Munich.
Finally, United’s centre back targets are two titans: Ronald Araujo and Kim Min-jae.
Captain Harry Maguire is all but set to leave Old Trafford this summer, meaning United will need another defender as his replacement.
Araujo has recently signed a new deal at Barcelona, though he would be an outstanding addition to a United backline that helped David de Gea win the golden glove this season.
A move for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae looks on the cards then, as the South Korean has had a breakout season as a defensive stalwart for Napoli in their emphatic title-winning season.
United have reportedly been quoted £40 million for the centre back, who seems keen for a move to Manchester.
With all of this touted spending, it is clear that Sheikh Jassim has a clear vision and idea on how to bring Manchester United back to the summit of football.
Source: sportbible