Updated:
Dec 29, 2022
Manchester United have reportedly identified three potential forwards they could sign during the January transfer window after they failed to land Cody Gakpo.
The red devils were poised to complete a transfer for the Dutch International Cody Gakpo in the upcoming January transfer window however they were handed a major transfer blow as Liverpool were the one to have snapped up the star striker.
Despite being linked to Gakpo Manchester United failed to plot a move hence they missed out on one of their top transfer targets.
The Premier League giants are desperate to land another striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo therefore they have drawn a three-man striker shortlist that consists of Dusan Vlahovic, Rafael Leao, and Goncalo Ramos (via Sports Mole).
The strikers who can help Manchester United in resolving their attacking problems
Dusan Vlahovic is United’s latest target as they see him to be a complete striker who can score plenty of goals for the club as well as create problems for the opposition’s defense. The 22-year-old has had an instant impact at Juventus as he has fired 16 goals in 36 appearances for them in all competitions. Known for his technique, physicality, and eye for goal Vlahovic can make a difference for United as he has got a lot to offer when he is on the pitch.
The Serbian international signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Juventus in 2022 which would see him earn a gross salary of €7m (£5.8m) per season. United will have to make an astronomical offer if they look to land the striker as Juventus would demand a hefty transfer fee for the 22-year-old.
The second target United has kept an eye on is Rafael Leao, the Portuguese international has made a name for himself due to his impressive performances for AC Milan in recent seasons. The 23-year-old had a decent campaign with Portugal in the World Cup as he scored 2 goals in 5 appearances for them.
Leao comes across as a skillful and dynamic player who can terrorize the opposition’s defense with his blistering pace. His versatility is another unique attribute as he can be deployed as a winger on either side of the flank or he can be deployed as a center forward.
The 23-year-old current contract with AC Milan runs till 2024 however there is a release clause of €150 million inserted in it. Manchester United stand a chance of signing him however they would have to shell out a heft fee of €150 million to land him therefore it will be interesting to see if a transfer for the Portuguese international takes place.
The third target United is keeping a close watch on is Goncalo Ramos the 21-year-old who caught everyone’s attention in the World Cup when he netted a hat-trick against Switzerland in the Round of 16. The 21-year-old’s performance against Switzerland has been the main talking point as he broke several records along the way.
Ever since his stellar performance against Switzerland in the World Cup, several clubs have enquired about the star’s availability including Manchester United who is desperate to land a striker in the upcoming transfer window. Ramos has a contract with Benfica till 2026 however the club is open to parting ways with the striker provided that clubs trigger his release clause which is over €100 million.
Manchester United will have to shell out an enormous amount if they plan on landing Ramos in the upcoming transfer window. The Portuguese international will be able to fill the void of a striker as he can guarantee goals for the club however plotting a transfer for the player could be a herculean task as they would face cut-throat competition from several other clubs.
