Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils offer €70m for Benfica ace; Sofyan Amrabat wants to stay, and more - July 6, 2024
Manchester United have made multiple changes behind the scenes this summer following the arrival of minority owners INEOS. Manager Erik ten Hag is expected to make wise additions to his squad to get the team back to where they belong.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have offered €70 million for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. Elsewhere, on-loan Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat wants to stay at Old Trafford.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 6, 2024:
Manchester United offer €70 million for Joao Neves
Manchester United have submitted a €70 million offer for Joao Neves, according to Correio da Manha. The Portuguese midfielder has earned admirers at clubs across the continent after an impressive campaign with Benfica.
Neves registered three goals and two assists in 55 games across competitions. The player's efforts have convinced the Premier League giants who are looking for Casemiro's replacement this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder was a shadow of his former self last season, and Ten Hag is yearning for improvements. Casemiro could be on his way this summer, and Neves has been earmarked as his replacement.
The Red Devils have previously submitted a €60 million offer for the 19-year-old, which was rejected by Benfica. Manchester United returned with an improved offer, but the Portuguese side have turned them down again.
The English giants remain in the race for now, and a new offer cannot be ruled out just yet. Interestingly, the player is not short of options this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also hot on his heels.
Sofyan Amrabat wants to stay
Sofyan Amrabat is eager to return to Old Trafford this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport. The Moroccan joined Manchester United on loan last summer from Fiorentina but endured a difficult time.
Amrabat failed to live up to expectations and dropped down the pecking order as the season progressed. However, he ended the campaign with a couple of strong performances and was outstanding against Manchester City in the 2-1 FA Cup final win.
The Red Devils, though, opted against exercising an option to sign him permanently this summer. The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Fiorentina and is unlikely to sign a new deal.
With Casemiro likely to leave and Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay staring at an uncertain future, Amrabat could be a fine option for Ten Hag to consider. The Moroccan has his heart set on a return to Old Trafford and will be available for €15 million.
Jarrad Branthwaite wants Old Trafford move, says Fabrizio Romano
Jarrad Branthwaite is ready to move to Old Trafford this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English defender has emerged as a target for Ten Hag after an impressive campaign with Everton.
Manchester United have already submitted their opening offer, believed to be in the range of £35 million, for the 22-year-old. However, it has been turned down by the Toffees, who apparently want £70 million to let Branthwaite leave.
The situation has prompted the Red Devils to consider their options this summer. Recent reports have suggested that Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as an option. Ten Hag is apparently keen to be reunited with the former Ajax player, and the 24-year-old is also ready to join the Premier League giants.
However, in his Playback channel, Romano said that Branthwaite also remains on the agenda for Ten Hag.
“Let me tell you something again about the situation of Jarrad Branthwaite, because we said about (Matthijs) de Ligt, but Branthwaite remains a name on the list of Manchester United," said Romano.
He continued:
“For Manchester United, the Branthwaite case is quite clear. They like the player. They keep appreciating the player, the player is open to joining Manchester United. No issue on personal terms, but it depends on Everton.”
Branthwaite appeared 41 times for the Merseyside club last season, all of which were from the start.