Man United accelerate sale plan after Saudi deal agreed
Manchester United are among multiple Premier League clubs looking to sell players to Saudi Pro League sides after Joao Felix completed his move to Al-Nassr, sources have told Football Insider.
Saudi clubs shocked the transfer market in 2023 when several top players, including Neymar, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, all made the move to the Middle East.
Although there have been fewer high-profile deals over the past two years, the likes of Ivan Toney, Moussa Diaby, Jhon Duran and Joao Cancelo have all left the Premier League for Saudi since last summer.
The Saudi market has been relatively quiet since opening on 3 July, but sources say the transfer activity is now set to ramp up after Felix sealed his move to Al-Nassr.
The Riyadh-based side have signed the Portugal international on a two-year deal after agreeing to pay Chelsea an initial £26.2million, with up to £17.5million in potential add-ons.
It is understood Man United are one of multiple Premier League sides who are now looking to offload some of their out-of-favour stars to Saudi this summer.
The Saudi Pro League is viewed as a more favourable destination for their players as the clubs are typically willing to pay higher transfer fees and offer significant wage packages.
Man United’s £300m plan revealed as exits on the cards
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to trim the wage bill as part of his cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford this summer.
The 20-time English champions posted a club-record revenue of £661.8million in 2023-24, while their wage bill stood at £365million – the third-highest total in the top flight behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
Football Insider revealed on 10 July United are planning to reduce their wage bill to under £300million over the coming weeks.
Finance expert Stefan Borson previously told Football Insider United could save up to £90million in wages if they could move on Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Casemiro.
Ruben Amorim’s side have made headway in their bid to free up space in the budget after Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan.
The Spanish giants are set to pay the 27-year-old’s entire £325,000-a-week wages, while a €30million (£26million) option-to-buy clause is included in the deal.
It remains to be seen whether deals will emerge for their other stars, but United are keen to offload some of their fringe players to Saudi this summer.
Bruno Fernandes turned down a big-money offer to join Al-Hilal last month after deciding to remain at Old Trafford.
Man United turn their attention to striker who nearly joined Arsenal
In terms of a potential incoming at Old Trafford, Football Insider revealed on 22 July United are now interested in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig after he had been a key target for Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival at the Emirates Stadium has seen their interest in Sesko cool and potentially open the door for United to swoop despite rival interest from Newcastle United.
The Slovenia international reportedly has a release clause in his contract, but it would take an offer of more than £70million to trigger it this summer.
United have already spent more than £130million after signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in this transfer window.
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