Manchester United failed to adequately strengthen their attack last summer. They needed a right winger but managed to sign no one and as far as the strike-force is concerned, they were able to lure a veteran in the form of Cavani.
Next summer, the Red Devils should splash the cash to improve their offense and once again the name of Antoine Griezmann is in the spot light.
Transfer: Man Utd want to finally sign £200,000-a-week proven forward – Report
According to recent report covered by AS (press view provided below), Barcelona have set their sights on signing Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the next transfer window and for that, they will need to raise funds.
The Spanish source have mentioned that Griezmann, who has not been able to shine in big games for the Catalan club, could be sold.
It is stated that Man Utd were obsessed to hire the French international when he was at Atletico Madrid but the attacker’s wish was to play for Barca and Messi. AS claim that the 29-year-old, who will be out of contract in 2024, can now be lured for a fee of just 60 million euros (£51.5million)
It must be remembered that the Les Bleus star was signed for a mammoth fee of 120 million euros in 2019 (FCB).
Griezmann was a superstar with the Rojiblancos under the management of Diego Simeone. However, he has not been able to perform at his best at the Nou Camp. Why? AS state that the former Real Sociedad player’s preferred position is where Messi plays and the Argentine is untouchable.
In the current campaign, so far, the World Cup winning star has directly contributed in 23 goals (12 goals and 11 assists) goals in 38 appearances (all competitions) for the Spanish giants (Transfermarkt).
The Frenchman can play anywhere in the attacking third and has the experience and quality to improve the offense at Old Trafford. However, we need someone to serve the club in the long run. Antoine Griezmann will turn 30 next Sunday. In your opinion, should Man Utd pay £51.5million to finally get his signing done?
No, had his chance, twice, now he’s 30, we’ve moved on.
Our strategy should be base on strengthening the team to get to the next level, where the need is greatest – midfield.
This can only be interrupted, if a Haaland or Mbappe becomes a realistic opportunity.
Whoever comes will need to improve the team, offer something we don’t have or aren’t already developing, so for me,
A• talk to Dortmund to get dibs on (2) Haaland, even if that means part paying now for summer 2022.
After that, as Dortmund need funds, perhaps they won’t be so bullish about (5) Sancho’s fee and a deal can be done for nearer £80m, or mitigated with Lingard or James or the loan of our best academy prospects. Whatever it takes to secure the Haaland deal, assuming he would come to United.
B• Our need to play on the front foot and do away with 2 DMs can already be effectively mitigated within the squad, with a bit of imagination, but the player ready-made for United is (1) Jack Grealish, regardless of Pogba staying.
C• A midfield of Pogba with Fernandes and Grealish, supplemented by McTominay & van de Beek could then only be strengthened by a quality young, mobile DM (3) Camavinga (with Zakaria, Gravenberch or Soumare as next best options), without Declan Rice, who would be (over) priced out of this group.
D• As there are no CB equivalents of Haaland or Mbappe, and few that would make the impact that a quality DM would make, we should only consider those who would be an instant upgrade (who wouldn’t negatively impact on Tuanzebe & Mengi) AND are affordable, i.e. no more than £50m, e.g. (4) Koulibaly, Pau Torres etc.