Manchester United’s transfer strategy has developed for the better under Ineos, and they might have looked at Moises Caicedo as an example of the lethargy under the Glazers.
Moises Caicedo was a player linked concretely to Man Utd when he was still in Ecuador but the club was beaten to the punch by Brighton, who moved fast for the highly-rated wonderkid.
A full-circle moment could be arriving soon as the upper management at Old Trafford has changed, but Brighton haven’t.
Ineos need to act now to avoid another “Moises Caicedo” from happening as Brighton have bid £34 million for an 18-year-old striking prodigy linked with Man Utd.
Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Brighton bid for Charalampos Kostoulas
United’s chase for a striker has led them to various names like Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, and more.
However, amidst their chase for an immediate option, they could be set to lose out on a long-term one, especially with Brighton in the picture.
The Athletic report that The Seagulls have bid £34 million for Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas, who had a breakout season at just 18 for Olympiacos.
United have been linked to Kostoulas through the season but their financial situation is probably making them think twice about investing that money in a future prospect when the present is uncertain.
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It might lead to a scenario where, in five years’ time, they look at Kostoulas flourishing at another top-six club in the league after impressing everyone at Brighton.
As it stands, that might be a gamble they have to take because while the player undoubtedly has vast potential, he’s not ready to lead the line for United right away.
Man Utd can explore creative Kostoulas deal
It goes without saying that if there was a choice between buying Kostoulas for about £40 million or Viktor Gyokeres for £60 million, the Swede is a no-brainer, despite the wage structure.
Therefore, United are being wise by not rivalling Brighton for Kostoulas since they can neither afford him nor can they offer the player first-team football.
At the same time, they should ask to keep informed on the conditions of the deal and explore creative options, like a potential decrease in transfer fee in exchange for loaning the player back to Olympiacos for a season.
Not only will that help United in sorting out their striker position this season with a senior signing, Kostoulas will benefit from another season of elite football and Olympiacos will keep their crown jewel for another season.
Or they can go their usual route of trying to buy the player for £100 million from Brighton in a few seasons…
The Glazers’ financial heritage has put United in a no-win situation.