Manchester United have finalized the signing of a highly-rated 20-year-old striker on a six-year deal, with his medical already out of the way and an official unveiling expected imminently. This comes as clubs across the Premier League continue their search for firepower, and United, having endured a painful season, are moving quickly to reshape their attack. Their 15th-place finish and a Europa League final defeat to Spurs means there’s no European football next season—a massive blow to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Despite their intent to bounce back, United’s early attempts in the market have hit roadblocks. Their pursuit of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap ended in disappointment after Chelsea swooped in and activated the player’s £30 million release clause. Worse still, Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres—once a top target for Rúben Amorim—has chosen to pursue a dream move to Arsenal rather than reunite with his former manager in Manchester.
Nonetheless, the Red Devils have had some wins. Matheus Cunha has been secured, and discussions with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear promising, with the winger reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford. But the glaring gap remains at the number nine spot. Rasmus Hojlund, once touted as United’s answer to their striking woes, floundered last season and may already be on his way out, with Inter Milan monitoring his situation closely.
Hojlund’s arrival from Atalanta in 2023 for ÂŁ72 million was supposed to signal a new era. Talent scouts lauded him as a generational forward, with Jacek Kulig calling him a “monster in the making.” But English football has tamed him—four goals in 32 appearances is a far cry from the expectations. While some criticism borders on excessive, there’s no denying that Hojlund has struggled within an underperforming system and a dysfunctional squad.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are pressing ahead with their own striker targets. Reports confirm a £70 million deal has been struck for a new frontman, with Benjamin Šeško spotted at the Emirates preparing to sign a five-year deal. It seems Arsenal have beaten United to another key name, intensifying the urgency in Manchester. However, one forward still on United’s radar is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, a player who could represent both a smart and necessary signing.
GIVEMESPORT reports that United are preparing to enter formal negotiations with Vlahovic’s representatives. Juventus have failed to secure a contract extension with the Serbian forward, and the player has been made available for a fee in the region of £25 million. Spurs, Aston Villa, and Newcastle are also circling, but Vlahovic is believed to be open to a Premier League move. At £25 million, United could pull off a real bargain.
Though his time in Turin has had ups and downs, Vlahovic’s raw talent is undeniable. Once labeled the “new Haaland,” he has 87 goals and 17 assists in 202 Serie A appearances. His ability to find space in the box and unleash shots makes him a constant threat. Despite limited opportunities last season—just 21 starts—he still found the net 10 times. In today’s market, those numbers make him a rare value buy.
Compared to Gyökeres, who scored 29 goals last season and already knows Amorim’s system, Vlahovic lacks that familiarity. But what he brings is elite-level experience, physicality, and untapped potential. While Gyökeres may offer more immediate results, Vlahovic represents a long-term solution who could flourish under Amorim’s system. At just 25, he’s entering his prime, and with the right setup around him, he could be the striker United have been missing since the days of Van Persie.
Leave a Reply