Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: Selling Key Players to Fund New Signings

To continue strengthening their squad, Manchester United may need to part ways with some of their current players. Among those who might be on the move is Scott McTominay, who, despite scoring 10 goals last season, is seen as one of the more expendable members of Erik ten Hag's team. Serie A side Napoli has reportedly begun negotiations to bring the 27-year-old midfielder to Italy.

According to *The Times*, Napoli is primarily interested in a loan deal for McTominay, as they are unable to meet Manchester United's valuation of £25-30 million. Earlier in the transfer window, Fulham offered £20 million for the Scottish international, but the bid was rejected, and the London club has since withdrawn their interest.

The necessity to sell McTominay stems from Manchester United's inability to offload other high-earning players like Casemiro, who is on a £350,000-per-week contract. With McTominay's current deal set to expire next year—albeit with a one-year extension option—United are looking to cash in now. Tottenham Hotspur and Galatasaray have also shown interest, but no concrete offers have materialized.

Italian transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Napoli's representatives are already in London. In addition to McTominay, they are keen on signing 23-year-old Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour from Brighton. Gilmour, who made 32 Premier League appearances last season, is available for around £12 million, including add-ons. Napoli coach Antonio Conte is familiar with Gilmour from their time together at Chelsea.

McTominay is aware of Napoli's interest and is weighing their offer. Staying at Manchester United would likely see him continue as a backup option, whereas a move to Napoli could give him the opportunity to compete for a starting role.

Meanwhile, another Manchester United midfielder, Hannibal Mejbri, has requested a transfer. The 21-year-old Tunisian international is eager to leave the club this summer, as he does not figure into Ten Hag's plans. Both Celtic and Rangers have expressed interest in the young talent, but negotiations have yet to progress. United are asking for a transfer fee of around £7 million.

If United manage to sell both McTominay and Hannibal, they could potentially bring back Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who was on loan at the club last season. While Matthijs de Ligt has taken over Amrabat's No. 4 jersey, the Moroccan's profile remains on United's official website, suggesting that a permanent move could still be on the cards. Fiorentina are asking for around €15 million for Amrabat.

Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri is another player likely to depart. Pellistri was deployed as a right-back in the Community Shield, where he was involved in conceding an equalizer. Bologna, who recently sold Joshua Zirkzee to United, is interested in signing the 21-year-old winger, potentially on a loan deal with an obligation to buy. Cagliari is also monitoring the situation.

Manchester United is reportedly considering similar transfer structures for Hannibal and Pellistri as those used in the sales of Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica and Willy Kambwala to Villarreal. This would involve a transfer fee of around €9 million, along with a sell-on clause and a buyback option.

As Manchester United looks to balance the books and make room for new signings, the sale of players like McTominay, Hannibal, and Pellistri could be key to funding future transfers.