On Friday, Qatari Islamic Bank (QIB) chairman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani confirmed that an official bid has been made for the complete takeover of Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has since joined the race to purchase the Red Devils, but it has been reported that Sheikh Jassim could be the early front-runner to take control of the club.
He has made the highest bid on the table at £4.5 billion. The next few days should give a clear indication whether the Glazers are prepared to walk away for that fee.
If QIB’s bid is successful, there could be a huge spending spree this summer. Here are three big-name stars that could arrive at Manchester United before next season.
Kylian Mbappe – Paris Saint-Germain
United’s prime focus for the summer transfer window should be a marquee striker and there are not many better than Mbappe at the moment.
The Frenchman is already a global superstar and would bring huge commercial revenues for Manchester United if they were to bring him from Paris Saint-Germain.
With United and PSG likely to be owned by separate entities in Qatar, there may not be any conflict of interest. RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg are a fine example.
The two European teams have exchanged several players between them despite the fact that they are owned by the same sports drink firm in Red Bull GmbH.
Mbappe would be a huge statement signing and would immediately transform United into genuine Premier League contenders for the 2023/24 campaign.
Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
United tried to sign the England youth sensation as a 16-year-old few years ago but they were beaten to his signature by Dortmund, who guaranteed him game time.
Bellingham has since transformed into one of the best young midfielders. Still only 19, he has already become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
The youngster has excelled with his defensive duties but has also made key goal contributions. He has the hallmarks of being a world-class box-to-box midfielder.
With huge financial backing, United will be in the mix to prise away the former Birmingham City graduate, who could become the most expensive British player ever.
Josko Gvardiol – RB Leipzig
Chelsea made a desperate effort to sign Josko Gvardiol last summer. They wanted him for next season but Leipzig turned down multiple proposals from them.
The Croatian ended up penning a new long-term contract but could be on the move this summer. The centre-back should be the subject of huge transfer interest.
United definitely need a long-term successor to Raphael Varane and Gvardiol would be perfect for the role. The 21-year-old could be regularly rotated with the Frenchman.
Varane has been troubled with injuries in almost every season and his workload needs to be carefully managed as he enters the back end of his playing career.
