According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United is planning three transfers in the same position to begin 2023, including the departure of a big-money struggler to make room for a surprise new arrival.
Manchester United’s squad is set to be strengthened in two areas next month. The center-forward position will garner the most attention, with their pursuit of Cody Gakpo intensified by Cristiano Ronaldo’s mid-season departure.
Today’s update, on the other hand, is about the other position that needs to be revamped – right-back.
Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are Erik ten Hag’s current alternatives. Last season, they shared time about evenly, but it’s been a wash this time around.
Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes in the Premier League this season, raising concerns about his lack of offensive contribution.
On November 28, TEAMtalk exclusively announced that Manchester United had put Wan-Bissaka up for sale. We understand that two English Premier League clubs are vying for his signature.
Now, speaking on his YouTube channel, the dependable Fabrizio Romano has stated that a Wan-Bissaka trade is one of three right-back moves United is exploring for the start of 2023.
The others involve a new contract for Dalot, as well as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka, should he be sold, of course.
Many United fans may have expected any new arrival to supersede Dalot in the pecking order. However, per Romano, if a new face does arrive, he’ll likely play second fiddle to Dalot who United is mightily impressed.
Dalot’s current deal expires next summer, though the club holds an option for an extra 12 months. But rather than trigger it, Romano stressed the idea is to tie the Portuguese down for the long haul.
“Man Utd has decided internally to extend the contract of Diogo Dalot,” said Romano. “To negotiate on a new, long-term contract and make an offer.
“The second step: sell Wan-Bissaka and the third step is to sign a new right-back.”
In terms of the profile of any new addition to the position, the reliable journalist suggested they’d be a backup or, at most, competition for Dalot, rather than someone who would replace him in the starting eleven.
This might take United out of contention for Chelsea and Tottenham target Denzel Dumfries. Indeed, the Dutch star is thriving at the World Cup, and Inter Milan has paid £51 million for his services.
That would be an exorbitant amount to sanction for a player who is unlikely to start on a regular basis, implying that a less expensive option could be considered.
On that front, Bayer Leverkusen‘s Jeremie Frimpong, 21, has recently gained attention.
Frimpong is thought to be worth roughly £25 million.
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