Man Utd set for Amrabat BREAKTHROUGH after receiving transfer windfall

Suraj Radia

27 Aug 2023 12:56 BST
3 min read

'Erik ten Hag heeft gewenste nieuwe spits Manchester United eindelijk binnen' — © ProShots

Manchester United are finally making a breakthrough with their transfer business after agreeing to sell Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace, which should help the club’s pursuit of a midfielder.

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Henderson spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest but, despite tentative interest over a permanent move, the 26-year-old has struck a deal to join Palace, where he will have a medical week.

United are set to receive an initial fee of £15 million for Henderson, with an additional £5m in add-ons, as well as a sell-on clause, in a transfer which could have significant implications towards the remainder of the window for Erik ten Hag’s side.

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As Henderson came through United’s academy, the deal would represent pure profit in regards to Financial Fair Play – something which the club have had their struggles with this summer – as well as getting his substantial £120,000-per-week wages off the books.

United’s budget has been virtually depleted after their outlay of around £180m this summer on Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, leaving Ten Hag unable to afford Fiorentina’s £30m asking price for Sofyan Amrabat so far – his top target in midfield.

However, while a portion of Henderson’s fee will go towards a replacement goalkeeper, the windfall should allow Ten Hag to raise enough money to move for Amrabat or another midfielder before Friday’s transfer deadline.

United struggling to stretch budget this summer

Not including Henderson, United have raised just over £30m in sales this summer – significantly less than they were first anticipating, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly still yet to seal exits away from the club.

United will sign Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as Henderson’s replacement for a reported fee of around £4m, leaving a noteworthy amount left to spend on a midfielder.

Ten Hag has also explored the possibility of signing a left-back after seeing Luke Shaw pick up an injury, with Tyrell Malacia also sidelined, and loan approaches for Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella and Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon have been considered.

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While United were also hoping to sign another defender and forward this summer, the lack of further funds available to Ten Hag means that the attention for the remainder of the window will likely be focused on Amrabat, Bayindir and potentially the left-back spot.