Did you think Manchester United had a quiet January? Think again. However, their 14th transfer could be challenging to execute.
There’s a fair amount of confusion floating around.
Manchester United’s Transfer Deadline Day Surge
You might be under the misconception that the January transfer window was terrible and that nothing significant happened. You may believe that Manchester United, in particular, made no moves at all, with transfermarkt showing that their first-team activity was limited to Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, and Ethan Wheatley returning from loans at Championship and League One clubs to join other clubs at the same levels.
In reality, we’re all mistaken; it’s been quite exciting.
SPORTbible headlined, ‘Man Utd Announces Departure of Player Hours After Winter Transfer Window Closes,’ complete with images of Michael Carrick and Benjamin Sesko.
Has Benjamin Sesko departed Manchester United? No. Has anyone he has ever played with left? Absolutely not. However, Sekou Kone has been loaned out from Manchester United’s Under-21 squad.
What Comes Next for Manchester United
Yet, don’t think that Manchester United’s transfer business is over just because the window has closed. That would be a mistake.
Man Utd can still finalize five deals in the next 24 hours despite the transfer window closing.
This is classic Express rhetoric: pure nonsense.
The ‘story’ simply lists free agents eligible to sign with any club outside the transfer window. So technically, Manchester United could make moves, although the Express concedes that they ‘don’t particularly look like they need any reinforcements.’
Proposed Signings and Speculations
Despite this, speculation continues with claims of interest in Raheem Sterling (because he ‘could add some muscle’) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (who ‘understands the Premier League’). Or perhaps a backup for Benjamin Sesko, even if he hasn’t played in over a year. Other options like Joshua Zirkzee look better by comparison.
Then we reach Divock Origi, with a mention that signing him would be complicated due to his ties with Liverpool. Yes, the claim is that almost two years after his last pro appearance, he would reject Manchester United for Liverpool’s sake.
Transfer Prospects for Liverpool
Not surprisingly, Liverpool can likewise execute deals ‘in the next 24 hours despite the transfer window closing,’ though their choices are fewer.
Origi is a viable candidate ‘if Liverpool requires urgent attacking reinforcements,’ despite not having played in nearly two years. Even Sterling could be a more compelling choice if Liverpool is looking to revive a career.
Interestingly, Serge Aurier has emerged as a potential target—though initially overlooked—making sense given Liverpool’s current situation.
Arsenal’s Potential Moves
Shockingly, it turns out that the three Premier League clubs with the largest followings—Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool—are the ones still considering deals.
While Arsenal might not need to make moves in the free agent market, Mikel Merino’s injury forces them to consider options. Jesse Lingard appears on their radar as an option, though many might find that hard to digest.
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