Manchester United can take inspiration from their Europa League final opponents for the summer transfer window.
It has been a hugely underwhelming campaign for Manchester United, but Ruben Amorim has earned an opportunity to salvage some pride by winning the Europa League final later this month.
United will face Premier League rivals Tottenham, who have also endured a disappointing league campaign and are relying on winning the final to qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim and Ange Postecoglou are taking different approaches to the final, but both know that their future and their club’s summer transfer business depends on lifting the trophy in Bilbao.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Man United and Ineos can learn from £65m Dominic Solanke deal
Before the summer transfer window has even opened, Ineos have been making moves in the market to prepare for a squad overhaul.
Attacking reinforcements are at the top of the shopping list, with United holding positive talks with Matheus Cunha over a move to Old Trafford.
In terms of a striker, Ineos have several options and reports claim that Liam Delap is keen to join United despite attracting interest from most top-flight clubs.
Delap has a release clause of £30 million after Ipswich Town’s relegation was confirmed. The 22-year-old is wanted by Ineos but he remains a very inexperienced striker after only playing one season in the Premier League.
Infographic showcasing the 2024/25 statistics of Rasmus Hojlund and Liam Delap in the Premier League.
Infographic created by SofaScore.
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However, United can learn some key lessons from Tottenham’s club-record £65 million deal to sign Dominic Solanke last summer.
Spurs went with a ready-made player in his prime to replace Harry Kane up front, but they had to pay a premium price for his signature.
It is no secret that United are short of cash and so Ineos’ transfer strategy has been to target young up-and-coming players who can develop into superstars. That is the category that Liam Delap falls into.
If United choose to wait or walk away from the Delap deal while he is so cheap, it could become a major regret in years to come.
Man United have other striker options beyond Liam Delap
While Delap appears to be Ineos’ first-choice striker target this summer, they have not put all their eggs in one basket.
United remain interested in Viktor Gyokeres and a potential reunion with Amorim at Old Trafford, but the Swedish star would be considerably more expensive at around £63 million.
Another more experienced option is Victor Osimhen, who has held talks with United over a potential move.
READ MORE: Liam Delap sets deadline for summer transfer decision, Man Utd handed blow over his demands
Reports claim Osimhen would be available for £55 million this summer, making him just less than double the price of Delap.
United’s summer budget will be dictated by whether or not Amorim wins the Europa League next week, with Champions League qualification set to inflate the club’s finances significantly.