Seven cost-effective transfer targets that could help Manchester United’s rebuild | OneFootball

Manchester United’s failure to secure European football for next season is set to impact the club’s ability to operate in the summer transfer window.

Ruben Amorim admitted in the aftermath of the club’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that the club had made ‘two plans for the market’. The absence of Champions League football and the associated financial reward is set to lead to shopping in a different market this summer. Sales are likely to be required to fund Amorim’s rebuild.

Given the likelihood of limited finances being available, we’ve picked out seven cost-effective transfer targets that could aid Manchester United’s rebuild

Liam Delap

Liam Delap looks set to have his pick of clubs this summer, with almost every Premier League outfit interested in the Ipswich Town striker. The Tractor Boys’ relegation from the top flight has activated a £30m release clause, a fee that looks fine value based on Delap’s exploits this season. In a struggling side, Delap scored 12 league goals and emerged as one of the best ball-carrying forwards in the division.

At 22, his ceiling is high. There will be reservations over his inexperience given Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles this season, but Delap has the raw attributes to thrive at Old Trafford. The promise of a first-choice role in a World Cup year could persuade Delap to turn down rivals who can offer European competition.

Jonathan David

Jonathan David is one of the most intriguing free agents on the market, having made the decision to leave Lille this summer. Several sides in England have monitored his situation without pulling the trigger so far. David has scored 109 goals in 232 appearances for Lille and has breached 25 goals in all competitions in three straight seasons.

He’s operated in different roles in France, both in stretching backlines in behind and coming short to link the play. The Canadian ranks in the top 2% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for ball retention (82.6% pass completion). Napoli have made the early running for the 25-year-old, who is primed for a move to a top-five league. David looks like a low-risk signing with the potential for high reward – and an upgrade on a Manchester United frontline that has toiled in 2024/25.

Angel Gomes

Angel Gomes is also leaving Lille as a free agent and has been linked with a potential return to Manchester United. Gomes is a Manchester United academy product but departed in 2020 after just 10 senior appearances. Five years on, he’s ready for a new challenge.

Gomes led Ligue 1 for assists in 2023/24 and has won four caps for England since being handed his senior debut in September 2024. A technician who is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas of the pitch, he impressed during his opening outings for the Three Lions. However, reservations remain over whether he has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League or Ruben Amorim’s system.

Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki has announced his intent to leave Lyon and a £19m release clause is sure to have clubs scrambling. The 21-year-old has come of age during the 2024/25 campaign, scoring 12 times in all competitions and providing 19 assists.

Cherki led both Ligue 1 and the Europa League for assists this season and has earned a maiden France call-up ahead of this summer’s Nations League semi-finals.

Comfortable on either flank or in a central role, Cherki ranks in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for assists, chances created, progressive passes, successful take-ons, and carries into the final third per 90 minutes. A potential bargain for whoever lands his signature.

Javi Guerra

Spanish football circles continue to laud Javi Guerra, who has been an instrumental part of Valencia’s turnaround this season. In the relegation places at Christmas, Carlos Cobernan’s side has climbed to 12th with Guerra impressing in their midfield.

The 22-year-old combines a strong physique with stereotypically Spanish technique, earning plaudits for his progressive passing and ability to carry the ball confidently forward.

Among midfielders who started the season aged 21 or under, he ranks fourth for percentage of passes forward per game (33%), just marginally behind the highly-coveted Adam Wharton (38%). For context, only Mikkel Damsgaard has higher than 40% among midfielders in the Premier League this season.

Guerra – reportedly available for a fee between €25m (£22m) and €30m (£26m) – also ranks in the leading percentiles for take-ons attempted (94th), successful take-ons (86th) and carries into the penalty area (90th) among midfielders of any age bracket.

Andrei Ratiu

Wing-back is arguably the most important aspect of Ruben Amorim’s system and the current options have failed to convince. Amad Diallo has impressed in the role, though there are some who suggest his capabilities are better utilised further forward.

Andrei Ratiu could be the perfect solution. The rampaging Romanian has caught the eye at Rayo Vallecano, where he has two goals and three assists. It’s the underlying data that boosts Ratiu’s appeal. No full-back in La Liga has averaged more successful take-ons per 90 minutes, while he’s in the top 11% for progressive carries, attacking penalty area touches, ball recoveries and shot-creating actions.

An athletic and powerful driver in possession, he looks suited to the demands of Amorim’s game plan. Ratiu’s release clause is €25m.

Joan Garcia

Andre Onana’s unconvincing performances mean a goalkeeper could be on the agenda. Joan Garcia is an option interesting a host of clubs after a standout season in Spain.

He’s been arguably the best shot-stopper in La Liga this season, leading the division for saves (136) and prevented goals (6.1). Arsenal, Aston Villa and Barcelona have all checked in on the 24-year-old, whose release clause is €25m.

Read – Shaw admits Europa League defeat ‘so damaging’ for Man United future

See more – Garnacho casts doubt on Man United future after **** season

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