Manchester United’s troubles with the Profit and Sustainability Rules mean they cannot go into the transfer window all guns blazing.
The Red Devils will have to sell to buy, with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Casemiro, among others, on the chopping block.
While these are players United might actively be finding buyers for, many others could depart should suitable offers arrive.
One of those even started in the FA Cup final but overall, United might be happy if they get a good offer for him.
However, in an ironic game of transfer market dominos, they will need to depend on rivals Manchester City indirectly.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka-Barcelona-Manchester City connection
A report by CaughtOffside states that Barcelona have agreed personal terms with City fullback Joao Cancelo for a permanent move this summer.
However, negotiations over a transfer fee are yet to begin with his club and if City and Barcelona cannot agree on a deal, United might come into the picture.
The report states that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is Barcelona’s “plan B” option if Cancelo isn’t secured, a list on which the United right-back is joined by Emerson Royal or Tottenham and Arnau Martinez of Girona.
It would come as a huge boost to United as they haven’t been able to field serious offers for the player so far.
Reports of a move to Inter Milan haven’t gone anywhere because the deal has reportedly stalled while there has been intermittent interest from some Premier League sides too.
If another club enters the race, especially as prestigious as Barcelona, then the prospect of a bidding war could net United an unexpected fee.
Right time to move on for, and from Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka came in from the cold last season due to injury worries elsewhere and managed to make 30 appearances.
However, most of them came on the left as Diogo Dalot has firmly entrenched himself as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice right-back.
With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia returning for the new season, the former Crystal Palace player will firmly be in a backup role.
Moreover, his contract expires next summer and he earns nearly £100,000/week so unless he takes a pay cut and agrees to play intermittently, this summer would be the last when United can get a fee for him.
As good as he is in the traditional defensive sense, it is clear that Dalot is a much more complete full-back offensively, a necessity in modern football.
Furthermore, even the defensive game of the Portuguese player has come on leaps and bounds while his availability strengthens his case.
Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, missed more than two months of action last season as United seemingly played a new player on the left every game.
A fee of £10-15 million plus his wages getting freed up could make the difference between United signing three players this window or more.
Considering Wan-Bissaka’s reduced importance to the team, United have to hope City play hardball over Cancelo so Barcelona pivot to Wan-Bissaka.