Five Realistic Transfer Targets for Man United Without Champions League Qualification
Manchester United’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League has thrown a significant wrench into their summer transfer plans. While the club remains one of the biggest names in football, the absence of Champions League football naturally affects its ability to attract top-tier talent. Financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the need for a squad rebuild under new leadership from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe mean United must get creative and practical.
But all is not lost. Despite their current challenges, United still have the pull of a global brand, a promising youth core, and the opportunity for regular first-team football to offer. Here are five realistic transfer targets the Red Devils could pursue this summer, even without Champions League football.
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1. Jarrad Branthwaite – Centre-Back, Everton
United’s defence has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. With Raphael Varane set to leave and questions over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, reinforcing the centre-back position is a priority. Enter Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 21-year-old Everton defender has been a standout performer in a struggling side. His composure, aerial dominance, and left-footed profile make him an ideal partner for Lisandro Martínez. Importantly, Branthwaite is also homegrown, which fits United’s desire to boost their English core.
Everton’s financial issues may force them to sell, and while they will demand a significant fee—potentially £40–50 million—Branthwaite remains a realistic target, especially if United offer player-plus-cash deals or structured payments.
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2. Joël Matip – Centre-Back, Free Agent (Liverpool)
While not a glamorous signing, Joël Matip could be a shrewd and cost-effective option to add depth and experience. The 32-year-old is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer and could provide short-term cover while younger defenders like Willy Kambwala and potentially new signings are developed.
Although a move from Anfield to Old Trafford is rare and controversial, the practicality of signing an experienced, Champions League-winning defender for nothing cannot be ignored. With a tight budget and multiple positions to address, free agents like Matip could help balance the squad.
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3. Amadou Onana – Midfielder, Everton
Manchester United desperately need midfield reinforcements—particularly a defensive midfielder with physical presence. Casemiro’s decline has been evident, and the club needs someone younger, more mobile, and Premier League-proven. Amadou Onana ticks all the boxes.
The 22-year-old Belgian is a strong ball-winner, excellent in duels, and capable of progressing play. He’s already shown his ability to dominate midfield battles against top opposition. With Everton likely to sell players to meet PSR requirements, Onana could be available for £40–50 million.
United would face competition, but the promise of being a regular starter and part of a midfield rebuild alongside Kobbie Mainoo could be an attractive proposition.
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4. Michael Olise – Winger, Crystal Palace
With question marks surrounding Antony’s future and Jadon Sancho expected to be sold, United need a right winger capable of delivering goals and creativity. Michael Olise is one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide players and would be a major upgrade.
The 22-year-old Frenchman is quick, technically brilliant, and a strong decision-maker in the final third. In just a handful of appearances due to injury this season, Olise managed to rack up goals and assists at an impressive rate. He also fits INEOS’ reported strategy of targeting high-potential, younger players.
Crystal Palace will demand a substantial fee, but with the player reportedly having a release clause (believed to be around £60 million), a move is financially plausible—especially if United can fund the deal with player sales like Sancho, Martial, or even Mason Greenwood.
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5. Joshua Zirkzee – Striker, Bologna
United’s over-reliance on Rasmus Højlund has highlighted their lack of quality depth up front. While signing a marquee striker like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen is likely off the table without Champions League football, a smart, versatile forward like Joshua Zirkzee could be the answer.
Zirkzee, 22, has been a standout performer in Serie A for Bologna, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in decades. His combination of physicality, flair, and hold-up play has caught the attention of top clubs.
The Dutchman is reportedly available for around €40 million due to a buy-back clause involving Bayern Munich. United would need to act quickly and present a clear development plan to tempt him. A move to Old Trafford could be appealing if he sees a pathway to lead the line or play alongside Højlund.
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Honorable Mentions
While the five above represent the most realistic blend of quality, age, and availability, here are a few more names that United could pursue depending on outgoings and budget flexibility:
Max Kilman (Wolves) – A solid centre-back option, Premier League-proven and versatile.
Youssouf Fofana (Monaco) – An affordable, all-action midfielder United have scouted before.
Jonathan David (Lille) – A mobile, goal-scoring striker who could be available at a reasonable fee.
Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) – A technically sound centre-back with a £50m release clause, though competition may be steep.
Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) – A creative, goal-scoring midfielder with leadership qualities.
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Final Thoughts: A Summer of Smarts Over Stars
Manchester United’s approach to the summer transfer window will be one of the first major tests for the new INEOS-led sporting structure. With no Champions League football and the need to balance the books, this cannot be a window defined by vanity signings. Instead, United must adopt a smarter, more disciplined strategy—targeting young, high-upside players, exploiting contractual situations, and identifying undervalued Premier League talent.
If executed well, a window built around the likes of Branthwaite, Onana, and Zirkzee could provide the foundation for a more balanced and sustainable squa
d—one capable of returning to the Champions League not by reputation, but by merit.
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