Nine ‘rough diamonds’ Manchester United could sign this summer
By Bence Bocsak
These players could be perfect for Manchester United.
In a volatile financial market Manchester United will have their wits tested this summer. Ed Woodward may be forced to be nifty and target some rough diamonds.
It is not something unusual at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson always had a keen eye to unearth the next raw gem. From transfers like Park Ji-Sung to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez, the Scotsman had an impressive scouting network across the globe and an astute eye for talent.
Solskjaer who was one of Ferguson’s best obscure signings is now in charge of the Red Devils and he should use the current financial situation as an opportunity to take a punt on less renowned talents around the world.
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The following nine players would be great cheap options for the club and are hugely underrated. They all have the potential to become future stars and legends at Old Trafford in the same ilk as Vidic or Park Ji-Sung.
1. Dominik Szoboszlai
Nation: Hungary
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 20
Market Value: £22.5m
Current Club: Red Bull Salzburg
United are still clearly interested in an attacking midfielder. Despite the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, with the likes of Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard set to depart, the Red Devils will need to bolster their options.
There have been heavy links with Jack Grealish but Aston Villa are holding out for a whopping £80 million for their club captain. Dominik Szoboszlai would be a far cheaper option and he could be just as fruitful.
The Hungarian has been voted Salzburg’s Player of the Season after finishing the campaign with 12 goals and 18 assists in 40 games.
With a lethal shot on him and an astute technical ability as well as rapid pace Szoboszlai has all the attributes to be an outstanding player. Salzburg have developed a plethora of world-class talent in recent years, from Mane to Haaland and the Hungarian could be yet another.
United would do well to snap him up for his current market value of £25 million.
2. Enis Bardhi
Nation: North Macedonia
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 25
Market Value: £18m
Current Club: Levante UD
Another alternative option to Jack Grealish could be Enis Bardhi. After catching the eye for Hungarian outfit Ujpest, the North Macedonian international has enjoyed a solid three year spell in La Liga.
Playing in a struggling Levante side, Bardhi has been impressive and racked up some excellent numbers. He has 7 goals and 4 assists this season.
Dangerous from free kicks and an explosive player with a low centre of gravity, Bardhi is the master of deceit and he could be a valuable back-up for Bruno Fernandes.
United might have to fight off interest from Arsenal though to lure him to Old Trafford.