Manchester United have had a very slow start to the transfer window. They got off the blocks rather quickly, moving to sign talented Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha from Wolves. However, since then, it has been slim pickings in terms of transfer business.
One of the positions that Christopher Vivell & co. seem to focussing on to given Ruben Amorim a more competitive squad for the upcoming season is signing a new striker. The club has been linked with a number of nines since the beginning of the summer but none of them have come to fruition.
Now, as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t Manchester Evening News), Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has been offered to Manchester United with the Serbian striker expected to leave the Old Lady this summer. However, the Red Devils are not in active talks to sign him.
Dusan Vlahovic no longer in Juventus’ plans
The 25-year-old international is set to be out of contract at Juventus next summer and doesn’t seem to be a part of the club’s long-term plans. Despite being a proven Serie A striker, it looks like they want to move him on to make room for a new striker who can lead the line.
Despite Vlahovic being offered to the Red Devils, Romano has mentioned that the club is currently focussed on the Bryan Mbeumo operation, which has dragged on for days. Man Utd need to work with a deadline to finalize the signing of the Brentford attacker.
While Vlahovic has a great track record in the Serie A, first with Fiorentina and then with Juventus, he might not be a stylistic fit to Ruben Amorim’s system. The Portuguese tactician might want his striker to press from the front apart from scoring goals consistently and this might not suit the Serbian.
Mbeumo – the better bet?
Brentford’s Mbeumo, although a different type of forward, offers greater versatility and off-the-ball energy: key traits Amorim values. He can play wide, centrally, and fits better in United’s evolving frontline structure. With Rasmus Hojlund already in the squad, this might be the play.
Romano stressed that while no deal is currently in progress, a Vlahovic move to United is not ruled out, especially if other targets fall through or if Juventus lower their valuation late in the window. It could be wise to play the waiting game and might be impossible to say no to the Serbian on a bargain.
While it is interesting to have an option of Vlahovic as the search for a new striker continues, Man Utd need to ramp up their business and complete a signing or two before it’s too late. It is best for the new signings to adjust to the squad during pre-season and it remains to be seen how the club goes about their transfer dealings in the coming weeks.