Man Utd Now Have to Agree £16.7m for Signing as Club Agrees to Sell – Report

Man Utd Now Have to Agree £16.7m for Signing as Club Agrees to Sell – Report

 

 

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to securing their first signing of the summer transfer window, with reports confirming that a £16.7 million price tag has been set for a priority target. With the selling club now open to a deal, the ball is firmly in United’s court to finalize terms and bring the player to Old Trafford.

 

This development could mark the beginning of a new wave of transfer activity under the restructured sporting leadership at United, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group, which now oversees football operations at the club. With Erik ten Hag expected to be backed for a crucial summer rebuild, agreeing to this deal would be a statement of intent.

 

The Target Revealed

 

According to multiple reports across England and Europe, the player in question is Antony Caci, the versatile French defender currently playing for Bundesliga side Mainz 05. Caci, 27, has drawn attention from Premier League scouts for his consistent performances over the last two seasons, where he has operated primarily as a left-back but is equally comfortable at center-back and right-back when needed.

 

Caci is a player who fits the profile United are looking for – reliable, athletic, and tactically adaptable. With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia having struggled with long-term injuries this past season, Ten Hag is keen to bolster his options at left-back ahead of a grueling 2025/26 campaign that will include domestic and European commitments.

 

Mainz Open to Sale

 

Mainz have reportedly informed interested parties that they are ready to part ways with Caci this summer, provided their valuation of €20 million (around £16.7 million) is met. The German club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Bundesliga this season, are open to a shake-up in their squad to balance finances and revamp their team for the upcoming campaign.

 

Sources close to the situation suggest that Mainz will not stand in Caci’s way if he expresses a desire to move to the Premier League, particularly with just a year left on his current contract. The Bundesliga club is keen to avoid losing him for free in 2026 and see this summer as the ideal time to cash in.

 

United’s Need for Defensive Depth

 

Injuries have ravaged United’s defense throughout the 2024/25 season. Luke Shaw made just a handful of appearances, while Malacia did not feature at all due to ongoing recovery issues. Diogo Dalot, although capable of playing left-back, was overused and lacked natural balance on the left flank. As a result, United were often exposed down the wings and forced to improvise defensively.

 

Caci’s potential arrival would provide a natural solution. His strong positioning, work ethic, and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases make him an ideal candidate for Ten Hag’s high-pressing system. His 88% pass completion rate, combined with over 2.5 tackles per game and solid aerial stats, point to a well-rounded defender with Premier League potential.

 

Moreover, Caci is known for his versatility, which is a key attribute Ten Hag has emphasized in recent signings. His comfort in both a back four and back three system could give United the flexibility to switch formations mid-match or adapt depending on the opponent.

 

What the Deal Involves

 

Manchester United are expected to offer a contract that runs until 2029, with the option for a one-year extension. While personal terms with Caci are not believed to be a significant obstacle, the focus now shifts to meeting Mainz’s valuation.

 

At £16.7 million, Caci would represent a relatively low-risk investment, especially considering the rising market value of defenders across Europe. Comparatively, United spent nearly double that amount on Malacia in 2022, who has yet to make a lasting impact due to fitness issues.

 

This deal is also reflective of a broader shift in United’s transfer strategy. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing signings, INEOS and Ten Hag are working to identify players who are both financially viable and tactically useful—a necessary shift after years of overpaying for underperforming stars.

 

Potential Impact on Squad

 

Caci’s arrival could have a domino effect on United’s defensive setup. While Luke Shaw is expected to return to fitness over the summer, concerns about his long-term reliability remain. Malacia, on the other hand, may be loaned out or sold, depending on his recovery and the outcome of pre-season assessments.

 

Brandon Williams, who has spent much of the last two years on the periphery, is expected to be moved on permanently. Caci’s ability to deputize in multiple roles may also reduce the need to keep surplus defenders, streamlining United’s squad for the new campaign.

 

Ten Hag has made it clear that he wants a tighter, more focused group of players—especially with the likelihood of United playing in the Europa League or Conference League next season. Depth will be key, but so will flexibility and durability—areas in which Caci excels.

 

Fan and Media Reaction

 

Reactions among fans have been cautiously optimistic. While not a marquee name, Caci represents the kind of smart, strategic signing that many supporters have been calling for. Social media discussions have highlighted his consistency and ability to stay fit—an increasingly rare trait in United’s recent defensive history.

 

Pundits have echoed similar sentiments. Former United captain Gary Neville noted on his podcast that “Caci’s name won’t excite everyone, but sometimes these are the best kinds of signings. Solid, quiet professionals who give you 7 or 8 out of 10 every week.”

 

Mainz supporters, meanwhile, have expressed disappointment but understanding. Many have praised Caci for his professionalism and loyalty during difficult seasons and agree that a move to the Premier League would be a deserved next step in his career.

 

What Comes Next?

 

The expectation now is that United will accelerate talks over the next week. With the European Championship and Copa América looming, United are keen to conclude early business to avoid inflated prices and disrupted negotiations.

 

United officials are reportedly confident of getting the deal done, but they are also exploring alternatives in case complications arise. Other names like Jorrel Hato (Ajax) and Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon) have been mentioned, but Caci remains the frontrunner due to price, availability, and fit.

 

Ten Hag is pushing for the bulk of his squad to be assembled before pre-season begins in July, giving him time to integrate new signings and establish tactical chemistry—something he lacked at key points last season.

 

Conclusion

 

Manchester United’s move for Antony Caci is gathering momentum, with Mainz giving the green light for a sale and the price now publicly known. At £16.7 million, this could prove to be one of the summer’s smartest acquisitions—bringing balance, depth, and professionalism to a defensive unit in desperate need of all three.

 

All that remains is for United to act swiftly and decisively—something fans will be hoping becomes a pattern in the new era of transfer business at Old Trafford.

 

 

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