Manchester United is actively working on reshuffling their squad during the ongoing January window, with the club set to witness a few departures. At the same time, they are strategically planning potential targets to secure in the summer of 2024.
With the English billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.2 billion takeover to acquire 25% of the club’s shares, the sporting operations will now fall under INEOS Group’s control. They plan to conduct a major overhaul of the squad, subsequently offloading a few players while keeping tabs on potential targets.
Manchester United duo reportedly heading to Spain on loan
According to The Sun, Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri is nearing a move to Spain, where he is set to join Villarreal on a permanent deal in this transfer window. The winger has struggled with a lack of game time under Erik ten Hag since his arrival in 2020.
The Uruguayan international had two loan stints in Spain with Alaves and is now set to relocate from the Premier League. Despite his talent, the attacker failed to secure a regular spot in the first eleven at Old Trafford and has primarily served as a substitute.
Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri is also on the verge of leaving the club. However, his exit is expected to be a loan deal, with Sevilla being the likely destination. The 20-year-old midfielder had chosen the La Liga outfit over other clubs such as Freiburg and Olympique Lyon in search of regular minutes.
Update on Jadon Sancho’s move to BVB
The 23-year-old forward is ready to rejoin his former club Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the season on a short-term agreement. He has been out of the team after a controversial response to Ten Hag’s press conference. Consequently, he has not played a single minute on the field for Manchester United.
Both clubs have reportedly agreed on the transfer of Jadon Sancho, with the payments and salary negotiations reaching their conclusion. The official announcement is expected within the upcoming days.
Manchester United’s reported plan to rope in Michael Olise
The new management of the INEOS group will have full control over the operation of transfers in the 2024 summer window. They have prepared a list of players to bring in, among them Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise is one of the top-priority signings for the Red Devils at the end of the season.
The Frenchman has garnered the attention of other Premier League giants following his recent sensational performances.
While Olise is under contract with the Eagles until 2027, Manchester United is in a prime position to attract the 22-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams. Moreover, they are ready to offer full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in exchange for the French forward as part of the deal, along with the release clause amount.
