Cristiano Ronaldo aims for Man Utd return while Erik ten Hag deals with transfer dilemma
Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Despite United activating the one-year option in his contract, a sale was not expected this month. The team has had a shaky start to the season and there is pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of INEOS, has led to speculation of a significant reshuffle at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe wants to address United’s transfer issues by focusing on acquiring players for their true value. United is also expected to sell fringe players to raise funds and create space for new signings.
Al-Nassr is preparing a bid for Wan-Bissaka, who is seen as one of their top full-back targets. The club has already had a £20 million bid for Emerson Royal from Tottenham rejected. Cristiano Ronaldo, who played with Wan-Bissaka at United, may try to persuade the club to sell the defender and bring in another quality player. Wan-Bissaka has struggled with injuries this season and has only appeared in 12 Premier League matches. Diogo Dalot has become Ten Hag’s preferred right-back. However, given United’s defensive options, the manager may be reluctant to sell a proven player.
Wan-Bissaka was expected to leave United in the summer, but the club activated the one-year option to retain his value. Other Premier League teams, including West Ham and Crystal Palace, have been linked with the defender in the past. There were even suggestions of a player-plus-cash deal involving Palace’s Michael Olise. Al-Nassr’s interest may be an opportunity that United cannot pass up. The Saudi club has sufficient funds for a sizable offer, which would benefit United in the transfer market. It could also establish a relationship for future negotiations for other players, such as Jadon Sancho.
United has already rejected a proposal from Inter Milan for Wan-Bissaka this month, with Denzel Dumfries offered in a swap deal. Ten Hag has been linked with Dumfries in the past, but he reportedly turned down the offer.
