Manchester United are far from being done with their transfer business in the summer window.
So far this summer, Manchester United have spent over £130 million on three signings – Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo.
However, reports suggest United want three more signings before the window slams shut. The top priority is a new centre-forward, but Ruben Amorim wants an “athletic” midfielder, and a new goalkeeper could also be on the cards.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not been private about the club’s financial struggles, publicly stating that United were running out of money before Ineos ordered mass job cuts and cash-saving policies.
Therefore, Ineos are currently working with a very restricted budget, but a lot could change between now and the end of the window.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesHow Man United can raise money for a new £100m+ signing
It is no secret that United are running out of cash, and are also being made to pay for their poor recruitment over the past decade.
Finance expert Kieran Maguire explained that United still owe £400m in transfer instalments for previous signings, meaning cash had already left the club before a single signing was made. That will continue to be the case for years to come.
However, United still have plenty of work to do in terms of outgoings this summer, and it could have a bigger impact than many think.
Under the current financial rules, Premier League clubs are allowed to amortise the cost of signings over a maximum of five years.
Amortisation in football finance infographic
Credit: Adam Williams/United in Focus/GRV Media
Therefore, a £100m signing in theory would only be marked as a £20m deficit in this year’s financial accounts, with the rest of the cost spread over the next four years.
For instance, United fans are desperate to sign Carlos Baleba this summer, but many have cast doubt on United’s ability to get a deal over the line for a £100m-rated player. If everything goes according to plan for Ineos, it certainly is possible.
Alejandro Garnacho sale will be crucial for Man United’s budget
United’s business does heavily rely on Ineos getting those sales over the line, and in particular there will be a lot of eyes on the future of Alejandro Garnacho.
As a Carrington graduate, Garnacho’s costs on United’s books are zero, meaning a sale this summer would provide pure profit from a PSR perspective.
United want around £50m for Garnacho, which would give Ineos more than enough cash to splash on a new big-money signing of their own.
Add in the potential sales of Antony and Jadon Sancho this summer and Ineos should have some extra cash coming into the club. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Andre Onana and Luke Shaw have also been subject to transfer rumours, and it is crucial that United bring in money this summer.
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It is not a case of United only being able to spend what they bring in. If Ineos can raise £100m in sales, then that would provide a financial foundation to go and secure a mega deal this summer.
Ruben Amorim did say earlier this week that he would be happy to start the season with his current squad, but there is still potential for United to make headlines with an eyebrow-raising deal this window.