They are the best options we have. They are world class signing and we are doing everything to get them for free and also swap deals before other clubs signs them”-Manchester United are planning to make free signing and swap deals before the season ends as they aim to sign former Manchester United midfielder.
With Manchester United looking to stretch their transfer budget this summer, the club is keeping a close eye on the free agent market. Amid ongoing financial constraints and a squad in need of strengthening, United are exploring several out-of-contract or soon-to-be-available stars who could provide depth and experience without the burden of a transfer fee.
20) Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)
Despite his lengthy spell at Chelsea with no appearances, Pasalic has become a consistent performer at Atalanta. A free transfer would be tricky unless contract talks break down, but United are monitoring in case an opportunity arises.
19) Rayan (Vasco da Gama)
The 18-year-old Brazilian forward is reportedly attracting attention from Bayern and Barcelona. United have a history of targeting young South American talent and could pounce if his contract situation changes.
18) Josh Brownhill (Burnley)
A versatile midfielder who could add depth, especially if Burnley go down. United could offer Premier League stability and European football to lure him on a free.
17) CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley)
The young defender could become an under-the-radar squad option for United if he becomes available. Again, Burnley’s league status will be a key factor.
16) Neymar (Santos)
An audacious move, yes—but if Neymar is serious about returning to Europe, United might consider a short-term, incentive-laden deal to add star power and attacking threat.
15) Kenny Tete (Fulham)
With Fulham unable to extend his deal further, United could look at the Dutch full-back as solid cover on the right side of defence.
14) Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
United are watching developments closely. If Arsenal don’t renew, he could be a shrewd addition in midfield, offering experience and physicality at no upfront cost.
13) Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton)
A potential free transfer target if Southampton are relegated. Walker-Peters offers versatility and could provide valuable depth in both full-back positions.
12) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Unlikely—but never say never. If Messi decides he wants another crack at European football, United would surely be interested in one of the greatest players of all time, even for a short spell.
11) Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Aina has hinted at wanting to stay at Forest, but if negotiations falter, United may swoop in. His versatility across the backline makes him an appealing free signing.
10) Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Still only 27, Calvert-Lewin is likely to leave Everton on a free if no deal is struck. United could offer him a fresh start and rotation role alongside Rasmus Højlund.
9) Angel Gomes (Lille)
A return to Old Trafford could be on the cards for Gomes, who has matured impressively in France. United are one of several clubs monitoring his contract situation.
8) Olivier Boscagli (PSV)
Brighton and Inter Milan are already interested, but United could use his ball-playing ability at centre-back as they look to revamp their defence.
7) Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Out of contract soon, and Palace want to renew. But United could tempt the full-back with European football and a bigger platform.
6) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
City’s midfield maestro could depart this summer, and while MLS is a likely next step, United would be foolish not to at least consider one last dance for De Bruyne in Manchester—albeit in red.
5) Frank Anguissa (Napoli)
Powerful and composed in midfield, Anguissa could be an ideal addition if United are seeking a free agent to bring steel and drive to their engine room.
4) Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Leverkusen want a fee, but if Tah allows his deal to run down, United would be in the mix for the commanding centre-back as a free reinforcement.
3) Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich)
If Bayern opt not to renew his deal, Sané could be a headline signing. United have long admired his pace and flair—he could bring both to Old Trafford for nothing.
2) Jonathan David (Lille)
One of Europe’s most consistent scorers, David has admirers all over the Premier League. United could jump ahead of the queue if his contract winds down.
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The boldest name on the list. If Real Madrid pull him away and Liverpool can’t extend, United may see a once-in-a-generation opportunity to poach a Premier League superstar—though such a move would rock English football.
7) Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Out of contract soon, and Palace want to renew. But United could tempt the full-back with European football and a bigger platform.
6) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
City’s midfield maestro could depart this summer, and while MLS is a likely next step, United would be foolish not to at least consider one last dance for De Bruyne in Manchester—albeit in red.
5) Frank Anguissa (Napoli)
Powerful and composed in midfield, Anguissa could be an ideal addition if United are seeking a free agent to bring steel and drive to their engine room.
4) Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Leverkusen want a fee, but if Tah allows his deal to run down, United would be in the mix for the commanding centre-back as a free reinforcement.
3) Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich)
If Bayern opt not to renew his deal, Sané could be a headline signing. United have long admired his pace and flair—he could bring both to Old Trafford for nothing.
2) Jonathan David (Lille)
One of Europe’s most consistent scorers, David has admirers all over the Premier League. United could jump ahead of the queue if his contract winds down.
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The boldest name on the list. If Real Madrid pull him away and Liverpool can’t extend, United may see a once-in-a-generation opportunity to poach a Premier League superstar—though such a move would rock English football.
This free agent watchlist for Manchester United is a fascinating mix of ambition, pragmatism, and a touch of fantasy. It reflects how **INEOS** and **Dan Ashworth** are thinking smarter amid financial constraints, targeting value in a volatile market. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key takeaways and thoughts on some standout names:
### **Serious & Strategic Targets**
– **Jonathan David (#2)** – Legitimate option if his deal runs down. He’s young, proven in Ligue 1, and has the versatility to lead the line or play off a striker. Would solve the goalscoring issue without a massive fee.
– **Frank Anguissa (#5)** – Very underrated midfield anchor. Would bring steel, tempo control, and Champions League experience. Perfect replacement if Casemiro or McTominay leaves.
– **Jonathan Tah (#4)** – Towering, composed CB. Would fit Ten Hag’s or Amorim’s system and could step into a leadership role. His contract situation is worth tracking closely.
– **Kenny Tete / Kyle Walker-Peters / Tyrick Mitchell** – All viable full-back reinforcements on the cheap. Depth and versatility at both ends are critical.
### **Homecoming & Wildcard Stories**
– **Angel Gomes (#9)** – A romantic return if he’s matured enough. Tactically intelligent, and Ashworth is known for valuing homegrown players. Worth a punt if available.
– **Dominic Calvert-Lewin (#10)** – If injuries haven’t eroded his explosiveness, he’s a very capable Plan B striker. Free transfer makes it low-risk.
### **Big Swings (Unlikely but Game-Changing)**
– **Kevin De Bruyne (#6)** – Crossing the Manchester divide would be monumental. Highly improbable, but his contract situation plus City’s transition could make things interesting if he delays a move to MLS.
– **Leroy Sané (#3)** – United could offer a starting role and repatriation to the Premier League. Would be a coup if Bayern don’t renew.
– **Trent Alexander-Arnold (#1)** – Probably fantasy territory, but if contract talks fail and Real Madrid show intent, United might test the waters just for the ripple effect.
### **Long-Shots & Sensationalism**
– **Neymar (#16)** – Flashy name, but would clash with the disciplined rebuild United are pursuing. Only makes sense on an incentive-heavy short-term deal—still very unlikely.
– **Messi (#12)** – Fairytale stuff. Not going to happen.
### **Youth & Depth Bets**
– **Rayan (#19)** and **CJ Egan-Riley (#17)** – Pure Ashworth moves. Young, moldable, and with resale potential. Good for squad depth or U23s.
– **Josh Brownhill (#18)** – Solid utility player who knows the league. Could be a clever stop-gap.
### Final Thoughts:
While names like **Trent**, **Messi**, or **De Bruyne** grab headlines, the more realistic picks—**David, Tah, Anguissa, Sané, Gomes**—could genuinely elevate the squad without blowing the budget. Free transfers, when well scouted, are where smart recruitment shines—just look at Eriksen or Onana (at Inter, not the United one!).
Would you like a priority shortlist from this list—say, a top 5 most realistic and impactful signings United should focus on?
