Manchester United are set to have a busy summer ahead of them – with hopefully more than a couple incomings.
Former Manchester City boys Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox look to be the duo that are in charge of recruitment over the summer transfer window – who have both been notorious for prising some unbelievable talent from all corners of the world for their former clubs.
There has been a sea of names speculated so far for the Red Devils, who are looking to buy in at least four positions in preparation for the 24/25 season.
One of these positions? A striker – with Erik ten Hag keen to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund and replace the imminently departing Anthony Martial.
A striker is a necessity for Manchester United
It’s undeniable from any Manchester United fan that a backup striker has been dually missed this season.
Despite Hojlund evidently being the striker who is to lead the line at Old Trafford for years to come, the lack of appropriate backup has caused monumental issues this season.
It has forced Ten Hag into often fielding a lineup without a competent striker – which has ultimately led to a lack of goals, and more importantly a lack of wins.
You can’t help but feel if a second striker had been acquired even in the January transfer window, things may have looked a little different in the Premier League standings.
A man linked before now wants to leave in the summer.
Could Youssoufa Moukoko be a good option?
Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko wants out this summer. The 19-year-old German has been starved of game time for the Bundesliga side – playing just 353 minutes in the league.
Due to this, Bild reports that he wants out of the Signal Iduna Park in the summer. They write:
‘The striker has only played 353 minutes in the league this season – far too little for his ambitions. The U21 international is unhappy with his situation and plans to leave in the summer. ‘
‘However, because BVB gave him a long-term contract until 2026 a year ago, including a hefty signing bonus (around ten million euros), the club does not want to sell him at a bargain price.’
‘If a club offers a handsome transfer fee that is in the range of its current market value of £21m (25 million euros), the striker can leave.’
‘A loan is only plan B, as around five million euros that Moukoko earns annually are not affordable for smaller clubs in Germany and Borussia would have to continue to pay part of the salary.’
Moukoko linked to Manchester United before
In Ten Hag’s inaugural season, Moukoko was first linked to Manchester United. The Times reported that they were on the hunt to sign Borussia Dortmund wonderkid.
This was when he was the youngest ever player to reach double figures in the Bundesliga and was on the radar of Europe’s biggest sides. Samuel Eto’o also once compared him to Lionel Messi.
Now after two years, he’s had a little drop-off – but he could still be a perfect option for the Red Devils.
To have another young budding striker sharing game-time with Hojlund is the dream for United, and could work to a tee. A great option… who is definitely on the market come the summer.