Manchester United is planning a major squad overhaul this summer. The goal is singular: the signing of Elliot Anderson (24, Nottingham Forest).
The British Daily Express reported on the 6th (Korean time) that Manchester United plans to offload as many as eight players to raise the funds to sign Elliot Anderson, who is valued at 100 million pounds (about 199.6 billion won).
Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has made midfield restructuring his top priority in this summer's transfer window. At the center of that plan is Nottingham Forest's key midfielder Anderson.
Elliot Anderson played as an advanced midfielder in Newcastle's youth ranks, but after moving to Nottingham he developed into a versatile midfielder capable of playing as deep as the No. 6. True to his attacking-midfielder background, he is comfortable with both feet and excels at dribbling and carrying the ball. He keeps possession for extended periods while handling the ball succinctly without slowing the tempo.
His defensive strengths are clear. He covers a lot of ground and is proactive in duels, tackles and recoveries. At 179 cm he is not particularly large, but his solid frame and good timing make him strong in aerial duels. His heading ability is especially notable, giving him presence on set pieces and in contests.
In attack his sharp passing and kicking stand out. He also takes set pieces and can play through passes that break down opposing defenses even over short distances.
However, he can sometimes lose the ball by attempting overly ambitious dribbles and passes. Observers say he needs to reduce that to rise to the level of a top-tier deep-lying midfielder.
He is viewed as the type of midfielder Manchester United wants. With high work rate, pressing and forward-passing ability, he is already considered one of the Premier League's top prospects.
The problem is the transfer fee. Nottingham is demanding 100 million pounds for Anderson. Manchester United aims to raise funds through large-scale departures.
The Daily Express named Rasmus Hojlund, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Andre Onana and Marcus Rashford as players targeted for departure.
In particular, the club expects minimum fees of 60 million pounds (about 11.98 billion won) for Hojlund and Rashford. Both players are reportedly with SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona on loan with options for permanent transfers included.
Ugarte and Zirkzee are likely to be sold even at a loss. Onana needs a minimum transfer fee of 19 million pounds (about 3.8 billion won) to meet the profit and sustainability regulations (PSR).
In addition, the departures of Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro are also likely. Their contract expirations or releases would significantly reduce the club's wage burden. Casemiro's farewell is already confirmed. Manchester United has identified Anderson as his successor.
Of course, signing Anderson will not be easy. Manchester City also wants him. Manchester City must prepare for the possibility of Rodri's vacancy in the coming years.
Beyond Anderson, Manchester United is also considering Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton, Joao Gomes and Carlos Baleba. But for now, the Express reports that Anderson is the club's top target.
All of these plans hinge on qualification for next season's Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League. Manchester United currently sits third in the Premier League. With five teams now able to qualify for the Champions League through league position starting this season, the club is in an advantageous position.
The midfield generational change has already begun. Next are the forwards and the captaincy. The Express reported that Manchester United is long-term searching for a successor to Bruno Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandez (22) has been mentioned as a candidate. Currently with West Ham United, he is, like Bruno, Portuguese. There are reports that Bruno personally recommended the player to the club. If West Ham is relegated, Manchester United could bring him in for a lower fee.
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