Manchester United’s desire to recuperate funds via player sales
There are no secrets when it comes to how Manchester United want to execute their transfer plans. Given the club’s financial clout and appealing brand value, the Red Devils garner attention across the globe.
Coronavirus, which has affected economic models of almost all sporting institutions, Manchester United, too, have fallen prey to the pandemic in spite of a stable revenue structure. The losses incurred have meant the Red Devils would be spending their funds prudently.
However, this in no way means Man United won’t buy players in the upcoming market but will look to mitigate the impact by opting creative measures like paying in instalments, adding performance-related bonuses or reducing the net spend achieved via player sales.
Recently, The Athletic put it in their story which was on similar lines, where it has been mentioned that Diogo Dalot could be one of the names whom United could let go this summer to lower the net spend figures, allowing them breathing space to push for Jadon Sancho.
"It is uncertain what the situation means for United in the market. Any budget can, of course, be bolstered by sales and the club will listen to offers for Alexis Sanchez, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Jesse Lingard and Diogo Dalot are two more who could be sold to raise funds and lower the wage bill. (Laurie Whitwell for The Athletic)"
Also, before this story came out, separate reports emerging from Spain and Portgual linked Diogo Dalot with a move to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.
With Thomas Meunier leaving the French capital for Borussia Dortmund, PSG are looking for a right-back and have shortlisted United’s Dalot as one of the targets. Citing a relatively low investment of around €40m, the Portuguese talent could be a long-term fit for the Ligue 1 champions.
In addition to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona were also said to be monitoring Dalot’s situation at Man United. The Catalan club has scouted the right-back since his Porto days and rate him very highly. With an eagerness to sell Nelson Semedo this summer, Azulgranas consider the 20-year-old prodigy as a valuable addition to their squad.
"Barcelona view Diogo Dalot as one of their right-back targets. They have excellent reports on the player from his time at FC Porto and the investment shouldn’t be too high to sign him. (Sport via Sport Witness)"
All in all, Diogo Dalot remains to be an asset for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as things stand. But, in order to sustain his status of a Manchester United player, the Portuguese talent would have to prove it to the management staff with a crucial set of fixtures ahead for the Red Devils.
Should the player fail to convince the club’s insiders, the story could come to a disappointing end for the player once termed as the “next Gary Neville” by compatriot Jose Mourinho.