The ‘Basque-only’ Transfer Policy of Athletic Bilbao – GiveMeSport

Despite the appointment of Omar Berrada as the new chief executive at the end of the season, Manchester United is expected to have its quietest transfer window in years this summer.

And supporters expecting a rush of high-profile summer arrivals to start a new era may be in for a shock as Erik ten Hag’s influence on just who comes to Old Trafford in the future is being scrutinised.

Important sources within the organisation reveal that United is pushing the boundaries of Financial Fair Play regulations and that they must first make money through player sales before making any big-money additions.

Even if the team’s performance has drastically decreased over the last ten years and has dropped dangerously during the last five seasons, United is nevertheless profitable commercially thanks to their distinctive brand that is still in demand worldwide.

Is Omar Barrada bringing Man City secrets to Man Utd? Pep Guardiola questioned.
However, excessively lavish spending on fees, salaries, and long-term contracts for players such as Antony, Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Antony Martial, and Phil Jones has left new manager Berrada with the difficult challenge of changing a costly and unproductive culture and strategy.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two of United’s best players, may have their futures protected by a change in operational philosophy brought about by Berrada’s arrival.

The club has already lost out on generational talent like Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland due to the ongoing decline on the pitch, and other highly sought-after players no longer view Old Trafford as a place to win championships and further their careers.

Real Madrid and PSG are interested in Alejandro Garnacho.

The biggest teams in the world run the risk of cherry-picking players like teenage Argentine winger Garnacho if United’s slide isn’t quickly stopped.

While Garnacho signed a five-year contract with United last year that runs until 2028, Real Madrid and Paris St. Germain are already keeping an eye on him.

However, the driven young player and his advisors have other ideas, and they don’t include playing football outside of Europe or settling for long-term mediocrity.

Unfortunately for United supporters, the team currently checks both boxes after losing in the Champions League group stage before Christmas.

Currently ranked ninth in the Premier League, there is also little chance of playing in Europe the next season.

Striker Brian Brobbey of Ajax
However, those who support Berrada, his right-hand man Dave Brailsford, and new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe are hopeful for a turnaround in the business.

That won’t happen quickly, and United is still a long way from being able to draw in the true A-List players in the world of sports.

However, those who would prefer to give youngsters a chance rather than spend a lot of money on expensive flops will consider it a victory if they keep future stars like Garnacho and Mainoo on board while they rebuild.

Man Utd is considering a trade for Aaron Hickey.

Prior to Sacha Boey’s transfer to Bayern Munich, United were linked to the French right defender from Galatasaray, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who appeared to be on the radar of Saudi pro-league team Al-Nassr.

However, it’s thought that United scouts have also been following Aaron Hickey, a 21-year-old defender from Glasgow who plays for Brentford.

The comparison between Man Utd right-backs and Aaron Hickey

PL stats (per game) for 2023–24

Hickey

Wan-Bissaka

Dalot

Looks

9.

12

19

Minutes

720

885

1644

Attacks

1.8

2.1

2.3

Interceptions

0.3

1.7

1.

Mistakes

1.1

0.9

0.9

Verifications

1.1

2.5

3.2

Objectives

0

0

1.

Helps

0

1.

1.

Pass success percentage (%)

89.3

83

82.2

Figures sourced from WhoScored (updated as of January 28, 24)

The Scottish international full back has drawn a lot of interest from Premier League big boys this season. Brentford signed him for £14 million in September 2022 from Italian Serie A side Bologna.

Hockey meets the description of a young, gifted, and driven athlete that United is eager to sign.

But, it’s unlikely that United will be able to make a bid for Hickey given that Brentford values him at £40 million, unless they are able to recover a large chunk of the £45 million they spent for Wan-Bissaka.

If Bayindir does well, Andre Onana will be concerned about his spot.

There is a rumour that Andre Onana, the custodian for United, postponed his trip to the AFCON to join Cameroon because he was afraid of losing his spot to Altay Bayindir, his backup at Old Trafford.

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André Onana Cameroon
Erik ten Hag persisted with the African keeper throughout difficult times in the Champions League and Premier League because of United’s massive £48 million summertime expenditure to Inter Milan for Onana.

Six foot five inch Bayindir is a more than capable backup who might gain confidence if given first team opportunity, according to sources at United’s training complex.

That may well be cause for concern for Onana, who hasn’t been able to dispel the sceptics who said he isn’t quite as talented as David de Gea at his best.

However, should Bayindir’s FA Cup debut at Newport on Sunday go well, ten Hag will have to decide whether to give the Turkish international keeper a stint in the lineup or to bring Onana back right away after his return from the AFCON.