Both Man United and Barcelona are likely to experience significant change over the course of this summer.
From a Red Devils perspective, it will be the first time that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are able to steer the club’s transfer business.
How they perform will arguably set the tone for their popularity amongst the Old Trafford faithful.
For Barcelona, another new manager will come in and attempt to impose their will on a reasonably strong but underperforming squad, against the backdrop of incredible financial hardship.
To understand exactly why one of the world’s biggest and best clubs has next to no money, one only has to look back to the tenure of former president, Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Amongst many ridiculous business decisions that he made was one that meant midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, would bank €20m+ net in the final two years of his contract (Sport).
The outlet note that new sporting director, Deco, hasn’t yet been able to broker a deal for the Dutchman to take those wages over a longer period or agree an extension and, as such, the club could therefore be willing to sanction a sale.
With Financial Fair Play concerns also in mind, if the Catalans are able to get somewhere approaching €100m for the player, it’s clear why a sale has become a consideration.
Man United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be watching the matter with interest.