Man Utd transfer round-up: Onana close, Hojlund bid, Amrabat next?

The summer transfer window is in full swing and it looks like it’s going to be one of the busiest windows in history. Manchester United are among the clubs that are expected to spend heavily over the coming weeks as Erik ten Hag looks to build a squad capable of competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.

United finished third last campaign, which was respectable given it was ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford. However, the Dutchman wants to push on and turn Man Utd in to a European powerhouse again. In order to do that, he knows he needs to strengthen his team and the United boss has lined-up his transfer targets.

Onana deal close

Ten Hag’s main priority this summer is to bring in a top class goalkeeper after David de Gea left the club following the expiration of his contract. Several shot stoppers have been linked with a move to Manchester United over the past few weeks but Onana has emerged as ten Hag’s primary target.

The two worked together during their time at Ajax and Onana has gone on to forge a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe since joining Inter Milan three years ago. Ten Hag wants a keeper who is good with the ball at his feet and the Cameroonian international is one in the best in the business.

Man Utd have already seen two offers rejected by Inter but widespread reports suggest that a deal is now on the verge of completion after a third improved bid worth around £47m including add-ons was put on the table. Inter need to cash-in to help ease their financial woes, and a deal was agreed in principle following talks with Man Utd chiefs this week. Onana has already agreed personal terms over his move to Old Trafford, so he’ll be given permission to undergo his medical once the move is formally announced.

The 27-year-old should prove to be an excellent signing for Man Utd and he’ll hope to be on board the plane when the Red Devils fly out for their pre-season tour next week. United take on Arsenal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday 22nd, and fans are already paying big money to buy tickets on Seatsnet. They will hope to see Onana in a United shirt when they take on the Gunners next week.

Hojlund bid rejected

Manchester United also desperately need to sign a top class striker this summer. Cristiano Ronaldo left back in November after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Wout Weghorst was signed on a short-term loan deal in January to help fill the void but the Dutchman managed just three goals in a United shirt.

Anthony Martial has been plagued by injury problems in recent years so Man Utd are short of options up front. Several strikers have been linked with a move to Old Trafford with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen touted as prime targets. However, deals for the pair will cost well in excess of £100m so United have been forced to turn to alternatives.

Rasmus Hojlund has now emerged as ten Hag’s top target. The youngster burst onto the scene at Atalanta last season and is considered to be one of the most exciting young talents in European football. However, potential like this doesn’t come cheap and the Serie A outfit are reportedly demanding around £85m for the 10-year-old’s signature this summer.

United are refusing to pay that kind of money for an inexperienced youngster, so they have tried to come up with creative ways to reduce the outlay. Reports suggest that Man Utd have presented an offer to Atalanta to buy Hojlund in a player-plus-cash swap deal with several out-of-favour players offered to the Italians. However, Atalanta weren’t interested in United’s proposal and rejected it out of hand as they only want a cash deal.

It remains to be seen if United return with another offer but unless it’s close to the £85m valuation, Atalanta are unlikely to be tempted to cash-in on Hojlund. That means Man Utd may be forced to move on to other targets on their list.

Felix on loan?

If Man Utd fail to land Hojlund, they could be tempted to launch a move to sign Joao Felix. Reports suggest that Man Utd have held preliminary talks about a possible deal. Atletico Madrid are keen to offload the Portuguese attacker and want around £88m, but Man Utd would prefer to sign Felix on an initial loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Felix was once considered to be one of the hottest young talents in world football but his career has stagnated in recent years and he spent time on loan at Chelsea last season. He only managed to score four goals in 20 appearances but he would be open to coming back to England if a club like United made him an offer.

The 23-year-old has bags of quality and could be a shrewd purchase if United could get him on loan as that would free up funds for ten Hag to use on other areas of his squad. However, Man Utd will face competition from Newcastle United if Felix comes to England as the Magpies have also expressed their interest in signing the player.

Amrabat reunion?

As well as a new goalkeeper and a striker, Man Utd are also in the market for another midfielder. Mason Mount has already arrived in a £55m deal from Chelsea and he’ll add some quality to United’s ranks. However, Fred is up for sale while Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay could also leave this summer so United want to sign at least one more central midfielder.

The latest name to be linked with with a move to Old Trafford is Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan international was one of the stars of the World Cup in December 2023, as he helped his national reach the semi-finals. Amrabat put in a number of eye catching displays in Qatar and it’s led to speculation he’ll be on the move this summer.

Several clubs are chasing the 26-year-old but reports claim that ten Hag is hoping to lure him to Manchester. The pair worked together during their time at Utrecht and share a good relationship, so that could prove key in helping Man Utd win the race for his signature. Amrabat is currently on the books at Fiorentina where he’s been an important player in Serie A, but the Italian’s are ready to sell if Man Utd put £20m on the table.