Manchester United in talk with Saudi Arabia representatives for major player sales in January
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Manchester United looking to sell major players in January || Credit: Imago

Manchester United in talk with Saudi Arabia representatives for major player sales in January

Stephen Oladehinde 13:16 - 20.12.2023

Manchester United's transfer activities have recently included discussions in Saudi Arabia, led by the club's football director, John Murtough.

These talks were aimed at negotiating the sales of four key players as part of an effort to raise funds for new signings in the January transfer window.

Key Players Involved

According to reports from the Sun, the players on the transfer list include Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and Casemiro. Among them, Jadon Sancho seems to be the priority for United to offload. 

Manchester United's Jadon Sancho || Photo Credit: Imago
Manchester United's Jadon Sancho || Photo Credit: Imago

Sancho has been excluded from the first team since a disagreement with the team's manager, Erik Ten Hag, following a match against Arsenal in September. 

Man United forward Martial || Credit : Imago
Man United forward Martial || Credit : Imago

Although United is open to offers for Varane, Martial, and Casemiro, they are not actively seeking to force these players out, as they remain important to Ten Hag's squad.

The need for Manchester United to sell players is partly driven by their financial situation. The club is believed to be approaching the limit set by the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. 

Manchester United defender Raphael Varane | Photo Credit: Imago
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane | Photo Credit: Imago

This situation was highlighted last July when they were fined by UEFA for a minor breach in the 2022/23 accounting period. Despite the intent to sell, Manchester United might have to wait until the summer for any potential deals with Saudi clubs.

After significant spending in the previous summer, many clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reached their quota for overseas players, reducing the likelihood of high-profile transfers in the January window.