Manchester United will not be swayed by pressure to overpay in the transfer market this summer, chief executive Omar Berrada has insisted, as the club prepares to replicate the disciplined approach that secured Champions League qualification.
Berrada, speaking on United's Inside Carrington podcast, said the club would stick to a clear plan after the success of last summer's window, when data-driven moves for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens helped United finish third in the Premier League. “The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” Berrada said. “We want a mix of experience and youth. A mix of players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and players that are doing very well outside the Premier League.”
“Manchester United insist on disciplined spending as Liverpool target Francisco Trincao's £50m release clause.”
United have already agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will have his medical shortly before pre-season training. The club are still seeking at least one more central midfielder, with West Ham's £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes a target, as well as a striker backup for Sesko and a left-sided player to compete with Luke Shaw. Director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves will all be involved. Club sources have stressed they will not overpay, which has led them to back away from some deals.
At Liverpool, new head coach Andoni Iraola faces an immediate test of his transfer strategy just days into his appointment. The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot after the Reds' fifth-place finish, a dramatic drop from their league-winning campaign. Iraola must contend with Bayern Munich's interest in 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who broke into the first team this season. The Athletic reports that Bayern have made Ngumoha a target, though no contact has been made between the clubs. Ngumoha, aware of the interest, has already made his feelings clear. After scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over Fulham in April — becoming Liverpool's youngest-ever league goalscorer — he told Sky Sports: “Liverpool, for me, is the biggest club in the world. To start so young and the manager having belief in me and all the players, it’s great.”
Liverpool are prioritising a winger following Mohamed Salah's departure. While Yan Diomande has been the pre-eminent target, Record in Portugal reports that the Premier League side are “closest” to signing Sporting CP's Francisco Trincao by triggering his £50m release clause. The 26-year-old, who scored two goals in 28 league appearances during a 2021/22 loan at Wolves, is a potential alternative. The outlet claims Liverpool need to sell assets before buying.