The crucial transfer period for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer starts now.
As Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League, the need to reinforce the squad with quality depth became clear, if it wasn’t until yesterday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown progress this season, but now it’s time for his paymasters to back the process with substantial investment in the transfer market.
In the aftermath of 2-1 loss to Sevilla, United manager insisted that his side needs to add depth in the squad if they are to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City next season.
“We need to strengthen the squad depth because it’s going to be a long season. We’re going to keep pushing and keep demanding more of the players that we have, but still, we’re looking to improve and it’s a strange one. The league starts very quickly, but then the market is open for so long. So we’ve got to be both good, smart and clever.”, Solskjaer said.
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With sporting commitments now at a halt, Manchester United bosses will turn their attention towards reviving the deal for Jadon Sancho, who remains to be a priority transfer target this summer. The club would move for other priorities once they gain clarity in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund.
In addition to the attack, Solskjaer is keen to bolster his midfield options, for which Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish is identified as a suitable candidate, citing his versatility and leadership skills as salient features.
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However, Man United will have to find innovative solutions to crack these deals with immense financial obligations. Considering the current economic climate, the Reds hierarchy is looking at squad clearout- which generates additional funds and makes space for fresh arrivals.
Chris Smalling, after a successful loan spell in Serie A with AS Roma, is the likeliest United member to initiate the exit spree, generating genuine interest among a host of teams in Italy and England. However, Rome remains a likely option above all, given the player’s desire to rejoin them and change of ownership could match the defender’s valuation.
But, it seems Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have a tough time moving on some of his players due to a dearth of potential suitors. Among those members, Andreas Pereira could be a likely member to struggle while finding his next employers.
Despite Solskjaer’s wish to retain the playmaker, Pereira is keen to seek a new challenge away from Old Trafford, having lost his spot in the first-team since the arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP in January.
The 23-year-old has purportedly asked his entourage to find a new club for him and there have been multiple inquiries from clubs in Germany, Portugal, and Spain. As per The Times, Benfica insiders were understood to be the Portuguese side keen to have the player on loan this summer.
Although, O Gloriosos have rebuffed the speculation linking them with a move for Manchester United midfielder, according to reports from Portuguese outlet Record via Sport Witness.
Currently, Valencia have shown the most interest in the Andreas Periera, who spent the 2017/18 season on loan at the Mestalla. Peter Lim, the club owner, regards the 23-year-old highly as he seeks a replacement for Dani Parejo.
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