Man Utd takeover: FEABLE transfer budget even if Qatari bid wins

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United's summer transfer spending could be restricted to just a single player due to Financial Fair Play restrictions - even if Sheikh Jassim completes his £5 billion plus takeover.

Erik ten Hag has big plans this summer as he looks to bolster a squad he has led to the EFL Cup and up to fourth in the Premier League table.

A striker - be it Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or someone else - is a priority, but the Dutchman would also like to strengthen at right-back, centre-back, central midfield and, ideally, in goal.

READ: 'We'll see you in June' - Man Utd fans sing Kane's name against Spurs

It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur and Napoli each want more than £100 million for Kane and Osimhen respectively, but such figures could account for all of Man Utd's summer budget on their own, according to the Athletic.

Man Utd budget £100m…unless they sell players

"As it stands, United are looking at a budget of about £100 million ($125.6m), due to financial fair play rules. This would be the case even under Qatari owners," reports their Man Utd specialist, Laurie Whitwell.

"Wiping away the debt would allow for more flexibility but the way for United to really raise additional money is via player sales."

READ: Merciless Man Utd tipped to sell 10 players

The report doesn't speculate as to whom United might look to sell this summer, but club captain Harry Maguire's days look numbered with the England defender only making seven Premier League starts this season, while Jadon Sancho is understood to be keen on a return to Borussia Dortmund.

Their acquisitions are part of a bigger picture as to why United find themselves more than £500m in debt.

Maguire remains the most expensive defender of all time following his £80m transfer from Leicester in 2019, while Sancho cost £73m two years later, but has thus far failed to live up to his billing.