Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has won the race to purchase Manchester United, according to a report today on Qatari news site Al-Watan. If accurate, it brings to an end the long-running bidding war with the Ineos founder, British billionaire Sir Jim Radcliffe, to purchase the former Premier League champions from current owners, the Glazers.
But if the fifth and final offer submitted by the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank has indeed been successful—a Twitter post by Al-Watan claimed an official announcement was imminent—the big question is this: Just who will the club sign this summer to try and wrestle control back of, not just the city of Manchester, but the Premier League itself?
Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
It’s no secret that the World Cup winner is seeking a move to a Champions League club, in fact even his father wants him to go to Manchester. The situation with current Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is complicated. Even though he picked up the Golden Glove for most clean sheets last season, some at the club feel he’s not quite at the level required for a title tilt.
Kim Min-Jae (Napoli)
This one is already a done deal, apparently, with the big defender having just helped Napoli secure their first Scudetto in 33 years ready to make the move after just one season at the club. Other teams, including Saudi-owned Newcastle United are also thought to be interested, but if the details are indeed ‘ready to be finalised’ it would certainly be a coup for the 20-times English champions.
Denzil Dumfries (Inter)
But of a slow burner this one. Denzil Dumfries has been perennially linked with Manchester United in recent years, but as word circulates of an Inter interest in Dogo Dalot, the football rumour mill (along with Italian paper, Gazetta dello Sport) has naturally put two and two together and come out with a swap deal involving the two sides.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
One of the breakout stars of last season’s Premier League as Brighton secured European football for the first time in their history. Mitoma’s 10 goals are said to have caught the eye of Reds’ boss Erik Ten Hag, and rumours of a potential £40m bid persist. Whether that would be enough to tempt Brighton to the negotiating table–having just lost World cup winner, Alex Mac Allister to Liverpool—is another matter.
Adrien Rabiot
With the Juventus star’s contract set to expire on June 30, a free move to Manchester united could well be on the cards for the highly-rated midfielder. Indeed it was a move that also came about last summer, but was ultimately scuppered by the Frenchman’s high financial demands—rumoured to be around £15m in wages. Maybe the lack of transfer fee this time around will tempt United to hit go on this one?
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
While it’s no secret that Manchester United’s number one striking option would be Spurs and England star Harry Kane, the likelihood of this one happening is looking increasingly slim. Another highly fancied option, however, is Ghanaian striker Victor Osimhen. The 24-year-old hit 31 goals in 39 games in a stellar season last year, and is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. One that also has a burning desire to play in the Premier League.