Clubs in Saudi Arabia are aiming to finalize transfers of top players this summer - and Manchester United could sell some members of their sub-team to raise cash.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced earlier this month that it would take majority control of the country's four biggest Premier League clubs - Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.
Many big moves have been announced, including Al Ittihad's signing of Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
Al Hilal are also set to sign Wolves star Ruben Neves for a fee of around £47m, while Chelsea's N'Golo Kante also looks set to move to Al Ittihad.
Advertisement
But it was the sheer scale of the tournament's attention that caught the eye. Other names involved in a move to the Saudi Pro League include Chelsea quartet Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kalidou Koulibaly. Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Tottenham striker Son Heung-min are also transfer targets.
If their four players leave for Saudi Arabia, Chelsea will recover some of the money used for last season's huge spending. The club's new owners have spent more than £600m on players over the last two seasons combined.
As reported by The Times, Chelsea need to sell players by June 30 for those sales figures to count towards the next Financial Fair Play (FFP) calculations.
Given the uncertainty over the takeover process at United and with the club's transfer budget of £100m (according to The Athletic), the Manchester club could also sell players to the Saudi Pro League to raise funds.
Here are five players they can overcome.
Eric Bailly
Bailly spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Ligue 1 club Marseille, with mixed success.
Advertisement
He was banned for seven games in January for being accidentally kicked in the chest by an opponent and has only made 17 appearances in Ligue 1. It is reported that Marseille will not offer to sign him on a permanent contract. , the Ivory Coast player should return to Old Trafford. A talented but injury-prone defender, Bailly could be transferred from United if Ten Hag doesn't have a plan for him.
Alex told
In a similar position to Bailly, Telles spent the entire 2022/23 season on loan to Sevilla in La Liga, helping them win the Europa League.
Advertisement
An attacking left-back, the Brazilian was signed from Porto in 2020 but has struggled to find form at Old Trafford.
The Daily Mail have announced the 30-year-old is leaving United this summer - and his attacking qualities could make him an attractive option for Saudi Pro League sides.
Antoine Martial
Martial has struggled with injury during his time at Old Trafford and missed the FA Cup final earlier this month because of a hamstring problem. Advertisement
He scored 17 Premier League goals in the 2019/20 season but hasn't reached those heights since. He has scored six goals in 21 league appearances this season but his aforementioned readiness issues are a concern.
The Sun claimed last month that United had lost 'patience' with Martial - and the 27-year-old could leave.
Donny van de Beek
Something of a forgotten man at Old Trafford, Van de Beek is still recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained against Bournemouth in January.
The Dutchman has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Ajax in 2021 - although some argue he hasn't had enough of a chance to do so. The appointment of former Ajax coach Ten Hag was seen as another chance for the midfielder to prove himself, but he has struggled to regain his pre-injury form. The Daily Mirror claim he is ready to leave the club this summer.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0