Manchester United is set to hold a medical for Noussair Mazraoui, the 26 year old Moroccan right back who currently plies his trade with German giants, Bayern Munich.
The new Manchester United ownership group INEOS took a while to get off the ground in terms of transfers. At some point, United fans were agitated at the perceived lack of transfer activity, but they can now relax as the club prepares to seal a deal for their third signing of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have been locked in negotiations with Bayern Munich and Mazraoui, whose performances in the German Bundesliga have attracted the attention of top European teams. The player is versatile, and can benefit the club with his ability to play on both sides of the pitch as a full back. He has also filled in central midfield at some points in his career. Apart from his versatility, signing Mazraoui also comes at an advantage as he could reunite with Erik Ten Hag, who previously managed him at Ajax.
With personal terms already agreed between the club and player, Mazraoui's medical is scheduled for early next week. Should everything proceed without a hitch as expected, he will join the other new signings and established stars at Old Trafford. The deal is seen as a statement of intent from United as they look to reclaim their status as a top performing team in English football.
The Moroccan would become INEOS third signing of United’s summer 2024 transfers, following in the footsteps of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, who also made the move to Old Trafford last month. His signing could also potentially force Aaron Wan Bissaka out of the club, with the Englishman having lost his place to Diogo Dalot for the better part of last season.
Another Bayern Munich player who could join the list of Manchester United transfers this summer is Matthijs De Ligt. The 26 years old Dutch center back has seen a bid for him rejected but Manchester United are preparing a fresh bid. Just like Mazraoui, personal terms have already been agreed and the player will move to United once they're able to reach Bayern’s valuation. A deal for De Ligt could mean one of United's center back could move on, with unconfirmed reports already suggesting Victor Lindelof could be the player to make way.
Also, one or both Casemiro and Scott McTominay could become yet another casualty of Manchester United transfers as the club pushes to sign PSG’s midfield enforcer Manuel Ugarte. The player was the toast of top European clubs last summer but eventually made the move to France from Portugal.
However, it wasn't the best decision in hindsight. Ugarte’s time in the French capital city hasn't gone as planned and both club and player could be looking for a mutually beneficial solution. United are said to be balking at the financial outlay of signing the 23-year old Uruguayan, but it is believed PSG would be willing to sanction a loan deal with an obligation to buy. This would definitely suit all parties, especially Manchester United as they look to challenge for the title in the new season.