Manchester United have begun their summer transfer spending but one of their next deals has sparked concern for Ineos and Ruben Amorim
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Sport
11:15, 17 Jun 2025
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are hoping to avoid further UEFA punishment this summer should they try to purchase Nice midfielder Hicham Boudaoui in the transfer window.
According to The Sun, United have sent scouts to France to take a look at the Algerian as they aim to strengthen their midfield. Danish international Christian Eriksen left on a free transfer at the end of this season so a gap has opened up for a replacement.
However, the Reds will be wary about moving for the Nice man, considering how a deal last season reportedly collapsed with the club for centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. Last summer, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that a deal for Todibo was 99 per cent done until United won the FA Cup.
That victory over Manchester City ensured that United would be playing European football during the 2024/25 campaign. Not only that, they would be entering the Europa League which Ineos-owned Nice had already qualified for through their Ligue 1 position.
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo during his loan spell from Nice
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo during his loan spell from Nice
Sir Jim Ratcliffe needed to provide evidence to UEFA to convince them that multi-club ownership rules were not being infringed. The European football authority insists that two clubs owned by the same entity or person cannot actively compete against each other.
This rule was created to avoid a scenario where an owner may instruct one of his clubs to lose because he feels the other team has a better chance of advancing. Alternatively, an owner could theoretically instruct a team to lose to allow the other club to avoid dropping out of the competition altogether.
Ratcliffe managed to satisfy UEFA that this would not be an issue but UEFA drew the line at United and Nice doing business that summer. This ensured that Todibo did not move to Old Trafford and instead he joined West Ham on loan where he has now joined permanently.
Fast forward to this summer and, once again, Nice will be competing in Europe as they enter the Champions League qualifying stages. United on the other hand, are not in any European competition and therefore multi-club ownership restrictions should not be enforced if they were to try and sign Boudaoui.
Hicham Boudaoui on the ball for Nice against PSG in Ligue 1
Hicham Boudaoui on the ball for Nice against PSG in Ligue 1
It is understood that Nice would be looking for £20m to allow their midfielder to leave this summer. This could be a good deal considering he is 25 and United will be looking to save money having spent a relatively large sum on Matheus Cunha and, should the deal be confirmed, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
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