Manchester United has already begun making moves in the transfer market ahead of the summer transfer window. The club, under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe since January, has pledged significant changes, including a major overhaul of the squad through substantial transfers.
Currently, the club is set to make a statement signing with the talented youngster Joao Neves. However, they are not stopping there; additional significant plans are in the works, including forming partnerships with foreign clubs for mutual deals.
Manchester United meet Barcelona reps in Spain
Representatives from Manchester United recently met their counterparts at FC Barcelona, possibly for transfer discussions. The new United sporting director, John Murtough, and negotiations director Matt Hargreaves were seen in Barcelona yesterday, meeting with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco.
Famous Twitch streamer Gerard Romero leaked the images through his channel named Jigantes. Two other notable figures present were Frank Tramboli and Fede Massai, who are part of CAA Base, an agency representing notable players such as Kingsley Coman and Son Heung-min.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: #mufc's sporting director, John Murtough, and the negotiations director, Matt Hargreaves, met with Barca’s sporting director Deco in Barcelona today.
— centredevils. (@centredevils) March 11, 2024
[@JijantesFC]
pic.twitter.com/IoqXNbBl1p
All of them were seen in a restaurant where they had lunch together, and had a lengthy discussion. The contents of those discussions have not been disclosed, but it is most probably about the transfer of players of the two clubs.
Other than that, the president of the Spanish club Joan Laporta was in a separate meeting with former German national team manager Hansi Flick’s agent Pini Zahavi. The manager has been linked to take up Barcelona’s managerial post next season when Xavi steps down this season. It seems both Barcelona and Manchester United are going to be making big decisions in the summer.
Potential deals involving Mason Greenwood, Frenkie de Jong
Although the contents of the discussions are unknown to the public, one can only speculate that they talked about players from the two clubs. The most likely name was probably that of Frenkie De Jong, who has long been coveted by the Red Devils.
They were very close to acquiring him previously, but the player was hesitant to make the move. Frenkie is said to still be hesitant, even making a strong statement earlier. However, Barcelona may need to make some significant sales to balance their FFP sheets, although they have expressed reluctance to sell the Dutchman.
Another possible name that may have been discussed is Mason Greenwood, who is on loan from Manchester United to the Spanish club Getafe. He has found a new lease on his career there and has attracted much interest. Previously suspended for a year and a half due to assault charges, United is said to want to offload him this summer, and with a year left on his contract, the Catalans may secure him for a low price.
It remains to be seen what happens after this crucial discussion, but we may witness some significant moves between Manchester United and Barcelona in the summer.
