Several Premier League clubs are prowling the summer market for a striker, and Manchester United—desperate to recover from a bruising season—aren’t sitting still. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS regime are reeling from a 15th-place finish, a Europa League final defeat to Spurs, and the painful reality of no European football on the horizon. With pride wounded and pressure mounting, the Red Devils are being forced into bold moves, shaking up their transfer priorities.
Their first bid to snag Liam Delap from Ipswich was thwarted, as Chelsea swooped in and activated his ÂŁ30 million release clause. Adding insult to injury, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres rebuffed a potential reunion with Ruben Amorim, making clear his desire to don Arsenal red instead. United’s transfer ambitions are now rerouted, as they cast a wider net for a potent striker capable of reviving their blunt attacking edge.
So far, Matheus Cunha has been bagged, and the club is negotiating with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo—who reportedly favors a move to Old Trafford. Still, the void at number nine looms large. Rasmus Hojlund, once heralded as the next big thing when United forked out £72 million to sign him from Atalanta, has faltered. Despite glowing words from scouts branding him a “monster in the making,” the Dane only netted four goals in 32 league matches last season—a brutal stat line that’s turning optimism into doubt.
As Hojlund’s stock plummets, so too does United’s patience. Critics like Rory Jennings have gone as far as calling him “one of the worst footballers” they’ve seen—an exaggeration, perhaps, but a reflection of just how off-the-pace he’s been. Inter Milan seems keen to offer him a lifeline back to Serie A, and honestly? That could be the clean break both parties need. He’s a victim of United’s dysfunction more than anything else, but with time ticking and standards rising, sentiment won’t save his spot.
With Gyökeres slipping through their fingers and Hojlund underwhelming, United’s eyes have turned to Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian forward, currently at Juventus, is eager for a new chapter, and his representatives are expected to meet with United’s brass soon. But securing him won’t come cheap—he’s demanding a £200,000-a-week wage packet. Still, Juventus seem ready to offload him for around £25 million after failing to lock him into a long-term deal.
Vlahovic’s career at Juve has been turbulent—flashes of brilliance dulled by inconsistency. Yet, his raw talent remains unquestioned. Dubbed the “new Erling Haaland” by scouts, the 25-year-old still has time to re-ignite his career flame. Despite his struggles, he remains statistically sharp—ranking in the top 10% for touches in the attacking box and top 11% for shots per 90 minutes across Europe’s elite leagues. He’s no Gyökeres in recent form, but he brings pedigree and experience from the upper echelons of Italian football.
When Juve splashed £67 million on him in 2022, it was off the back of 49 goals in 108 games for Fiorentina. That wasn’t a fluke. Even last season, in a stifled Juventus setup, he managed ten goals in just 21 league starts. He’s powerful, athletic, and boasts a cannon of a left foot—traits mirrored in Gyökeres. If Amorim can harness his strengths, Vlahovic could flourish in United’s new-look frontline alongside Cunha and Mbeumo.
Sure, it’s a gamble. All overseas striker signings come with risk. But for £25 million? That’s a risk worth taking. Viktor Gyökeres may fit Amorim’s playbook better, but with Arsenal likely securing his signature, United must pivot smartly. Vlahovic might not be the perfect choice, but with the right guidance and a fresh stage, he could well become a feared force again—exactly what Manchester United’s battered attack so sorely needs.
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