“This three players won’t cost us up to £80m. It’s a blockbuster signing and they are very good players who could bring a lot of changes intonour first team”-Double signing, £60m deal and Euro 2024 gem as Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to confirm Manchester United can exploit after Erik ten Hag approval
The landscape of the transfer market has undergone a significant transformation over the past four years. The financial impact of Covid-19 and more stringent spending regulations in domestic leagues have notably altered the balance of power among clubs.
European clubs have seen a decline in their influence. Although teams like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid can still make substantial acquisitions—such as the signings of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham last summer—others, including Barcelona and Juventus, are grappling with severe financial challenges. Barcelona’s debt issues, compounded by La Liga’s financial controls, have greatly limited their spending power, while Juventus no longer wields the same market clout.
In contrast, Premier League clubs navigated the Covid-19 financial setbacks more effectively than their European peers, maintaining their dominance in the market for a time. Recently, there has been a growing trend of English clubs trading players among themselves. Notable examples include Manchester City selling Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Jesus to domestic rivals. Manchester United joined this trend by acquiring Mason Mount from Chelsea last summer, marking their first purchase from a top-six competitor since Nemanja Matic.
Another emerging trend is the increasing use of release clauses in player contracts, providing athletes with some control over their career trajectories. While Saudi Arabia presents almost limitless transfer budgets, many top players do not find it an appealing destination. Release clauses give players a degree of autonomy over their future moves. However, exceptional performances can sometimes restrict their options. For instance, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City has a release clause around £50 million, yet his desired move to Barcelona remains unattainable even at that price.
Michael Olise is a player likely to benefit from a release clause. Targeted by Manchester United, Olise’s £60 million clause is expected to be triggered by Bayern Munich. Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, witnessed Olise’s potential during a match at Selhurst Park in May, but acquiring a right-winger wasn’t United’s top priority.
Manchester United could also capitalize on Joshua Zirkzee’s contract situation. The 23-year-old striker, monitored by United this summer, has a €40 million release clause, making him an appealing option for a club with budget constraints. Zirkzee, who has a similar background to Rasmus Hojlund, is seen as a developing talent with significant potential value. Although he hasn’t yet played for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, he remains on United’s radar.
Jeremie Frimpong, another Dutch player, is also being watched by Manchester United. The attacking right-back played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s successful domestic season, and his €40 million release clause makes him an attractive target. Given his performance and the affordable price, clubs might attempt to lure him away from Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League campaign.
Nico Williams is another notable player with an appealing release clause. The Athletic Bilbao winger has impressed recently, particularly against Italy, and despite signing a new contract, his €55 million release clause remains intact. His recent performances suggest that this could be a bargain for interested clubs.
Although there’s no indication that Manchester United is targeting Williams, especially with players like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford already on their roster, the growing trend of release clauses among players seeking greater control over their careers highlights how deals are evolving in the modern transfer market.
