Sancho in and Pogba leaving will be a decent summer for Ole
EVEN if United can only do a minimal amount of transfer business this summer, they can still get what they want - and need.
It is looking increasingly likely the impact of the coronavirus on football will mean a reduction in the gargantuan fees paid by clubs for players.
And thus the influx of new quality to the Premier League will be reduced as well. Chelsea must be thanking their lucky stars they’ve already snapped up Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.
You only have to look at the newspapers for a minute or two to discover United’s top transfer priority – his name is Jadon Sancho and as a huge bonus for Reds fans he’s now back in competitive action. Supporters can scout the Borussia Dortmund winger courtesy of their BT Sport subscriptions.
If you told United officials they could only complete one transfer this summer, they would pick Sancho as the player they want.
The 20-year-old fits the bill for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer because of his ability, his pace and his outstanding record in the Bundeliga. And also because of his age and willingness to return to Manchester, a city with which he’s already familiar following his days in City’s youth system.
In terms of outgoings, however, the situation is a little less clear. Although United continually make noises about wanting to keep Paul Pogba amid links with Real Madrid, Juventus and anyone that could stump up enough cash to land the Frenchman, it would be interesting to see what United would actually do if they received a big offer for him. He is approaching the final year of his contract.
But Pogba would be a very highprofile departure if he left the club and any decision to sell a player of his talent would divide the United fanbase somewhat.
So would a summer, in which Sancho arrives and Pogba leaves, be a fruitful one? The arrival of Bruno Fernandes’ and the impact he has made in midfield softened the blow of Pogba’s absence in January and February for United. Plus Fred and Scott McTominay have stepped up in the past season to make it a rosier picture for
If you told United they could only complete one transfer this summer, they would pick Sancho
Solskjaer’s midfield than it previously seemed.
Daniel James became the de facto right-wing option for much of the season, but the 22-year-old, understandably, has lacked consistency following his transfer from Swansea.
He seems like a good impact sub for the time being, while Mason Greenwood ought not to become a regular on the right flank with his abilities suited better to the No.9 role.
All of which means Sancho is a very necessary purchase, if United can pull off a deal.
Whether the fee hits £100m or not remains to be seen, though you can’t imagine Pogba fetching a similar amount given he is seven years older and in no form to speak of.
Thankfully for United, their financial situation should still be robust enough to accept such a swap and its financial implications.
In an ideal world they would love either Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish or Leicester playmaker James Maddison to replace Pogba, too and they still plan to sign three players this summer - although whether that will actually be feasible remains to be seen.
But if United can’t press ahead with their current plans and it does come down to selling Pogba to sign Sancho, United should act swiftly and efficiently.
Further amendments to their squad will happen in time, but this is a summer trade that cannot be sniffed at if it becomes available.