Barcelona’s perilous financial situation isn’t showing any signs of easing, and that could let Man United in to make a triple swoop.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to ensure that the Red Devils have a brilliant summer transfer window in order to be able to get the club’s new football project off the ground in the best possible way.
Though they still have a chance of Champions League football next season, United have looked directionless under Erik ten Hag for long periods of the 2023/24 campaign.
Man United are looking at three Barcelona players
It would therefore be no surprise to see the Dutchman’s services dispensed with during the summer.
Regardless of whether the club give him a stay of execution or not, there’s likely to be quite a big turnaround in terms of playing staff.
According to the Daily Express (h/t Fichajes), Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Ansu Fati are all on United’s radar.
De Jong would bring the most money in of the trio, though his loss in the Barca midfield would be significant.
Balde had gone off the boil before his injury and the Catalans have shown that they can easily cover for his loss.
Fati hasn’t really set the world alight at Brighton, but at the right club, there’s still a player in there, and one who can be devastatingly good. That the Premier League outfit could likely get him on the cheap too will arguably be a factor.