Manchester United eye a £100 million transfer plan as they offer Sancho and Anthony to teams in the Saudi Pro League

Manchester United is actively seeking to recoup some of the £155 million they spent on wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony by offering them to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The Red Devils are reportedly looking to fetch around £50 million for each player, both of whom have faced challenges since their high-profile moves to Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho, a £73 million signing in 2021, has struggled to make a significant impact at Manchester United. Last summer, Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, expressed interest in loaning Sancho, but the deal fell through due to United’s insistence on a £50 million obligation to buy him. In a bid to revive his form and attract interest ahead of the summer, Sancho has been loaned back to Borussia Dortmund, his former club.

Antony, an £86 million signing in 2022, has also found it challenging to settle at Manchester United. Last week, coach Erik ten Hag urged the player to “do better,” adding uncertainty to Antony’s future at Old Trafford.

Saudi clubs made notable signings from Chelsea and Liverpool last summer, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho. However, their current transfer budgets are limited, making it a challenging environment for Manchester United to secure lucrative deals this month.

John Murtough, United’s director of football, took the initiative to build connections with officials from the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Ministry of Sport during the Club World Cup in December. The strategic move aims to pave the way for increased opportunities to sell players during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Casemiro, a 31-year-old midfielder, is reportedly the player most sought after by Saudi clubs. Manchester United is open to selling Casemiro, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since October, but they are looking for the right price in any potential deal.

Raphael Varane, another player in the mix, could also make a move to Saudi Arabia. However, United is unlikely to receive a transfer fee for the French defender after deciding against exercising a one-year extension clause in his contract.

The move to offer Sancho and Antony to clubs in the Saudi Pro League reflects Manchester United’s strategic approach to balance their books and make room for potential summer signings. The challenges faced by both wingers in adapting to the demands of the Premier League have prompted the club to explore opportunities in other leagues, with the hope of securing reasonable transfer fees.

The loan move for Jadon Sancho back to Borussia Dortmund seems to be a calculated move by Manchester United to showcase his talents and attract potential suitors. This tactic could prove beneficial in maximizing Sancho’s market value, making it more likely for the club to recoup a significant portion of the initial investment.

Antony, on the other hand, received a direct message from coach Erik ten Hag to improve his performance. This public acknowledgment of the player’s need for improvement adds an element of uncertainty to his future at Manchester United.

The decision to offer him to clubs in the Saudi Pro League suggests that the club is open to parting ways with the Brazilian winger if the right offer comes along.

In the broader context of Saudi clubs’ recent acquisitions from English clubs, the financial landscape plays a crucial role. While the transfer budgets for Saudi clubs are limited in the current window, the groundwork laid by Manchester United’s director of football during the Club World Cup positions the club favorably for potential dealings in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Casemiro’s status as the most wanted player by Saudi clubs indicates the continued interest in experienced midfielders. Manchester United’s willingness to sell the Brazilian midfielder, coupled with their pursuit of the right price, underscores the pragmatic approach taken by the club in reshaping the squad.

Raphael Varane’s potential move to Saudi Arabia adds another layer to the transfer dynamics. The decision not to trigger a one-year extension clause in his contract signals a readiness on the part of Manchester United to let the French defender explore new opportunities. While the lack of a transfer fee may be a compromise, it allows Varane to seek a fresh start.

In conclusion, Manchester United’s efforts to recoup funds by offering Jadon Sancho and Antony to clubs in the Saudi Pro League highlight the club’s strategic approach to player management and transfer dealings. The challenges faced by both players in adapting to the Premier League have prompted the exploration of opportunities in a different league.

The groundwork laid during the Club World Cup positions the club for potential deals in the summer, and the openness to part ways with players like Casemiro and Varane reflects a pragmatic approach to squad restructuring. As the transfer window unfolds, these maneuvers will shape Manchester United’s squad composition and financial landscape.