Manchester United searches for fresh strikers in the loan market.
If Manchester United wants to add a striker during the January transfer window, they will look at the loan market.
After Cristiano Ronaldo left, Erik ten Hag wants to replace him, but Old Trafford has limited money after spending £225 million in the summer.
This indicates that the team is evaluating possibilities that are mostly on loan rather than trying to sign a forward to a permanent contract during the mid-season window.
Cody Gakpo, a 23-year-old winger from PSV Eindhoven who was coveted by both United and Ten Hag, is poised to join Liverpool for a deal that might reach £44 million.
Gakpo has mostly played on the left for his club, although having played center for the Netherlands during the World Cup. United was hesitant to match Liverpool’s acquisition of Gakpo since they were spending money on the summer transfer window.
In January, a short-term transfer for a striker is most likely to happen. Joao Felix, a Portugal international who plays for Atletico Madrid, may be available on a temporary basis, but he will probably want a significant loan fee and salary. Ronaldo’s decision to void the remaining months of his contract allowed United to save almost £16 million on his salary. Memphis Depay, who was formerly United’s number seven, may still be available on loan from Barcelona after United mulled a summer transfer for him.
In the summer, United brought in five players on long-term contracts: Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Antony. The £225 million expenditure was a lot higher than they had budgeted for at the beginning of Ten Hag’s first management term.
Goncalo Ramos of Benfica and Mohammed Kudus of Ajax are both players Ten Hag admires, although neither is expected to be available on loan in January. Victor Osimhen, a striker for Napoli, has also caught United’s attention, but he won’t be available until the summer since the Neapolitan team is vying for the Serie A championship and a spot in the Champions League’s round of 16.
Since Ronaldo left, Anthony Martial is the only natural No. 9 left in Ten Hag’s lineup, while Marcus Rashford has sometimes been forced to play as a center striker this year.
