Vincent Aboubakar is reportedly “under consideration” at Man Utd as he “could be available” following Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Red Devils are being linked with quite a few strikers in the coming weeks as they look to recruit a replacement for Ronaldo.
United are unlikely to spend big on a replacement as they opted against pursuing Cody Gakpo for financial reasons.
They are instead looking to reserve their budget until the summer after they spent over £200m on new signings during the previous transfer window.
Ben Jacobs has now offered his take on several of United’s apparent targets. He started by ruling out moves for Randal Kolo Muani and Olivier Giroud in January.
But he does think that Aboubakar is an option as he’s “likely to be on the market” with him now below Ronaldo in the pecking order at Al-Nassr.
“Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt is one, but that would require a massive outlay, probably €70-75million, and given United’s ownership situation I can’t see that happening in January,” Jacobs wrote for Caught Offside.
“I know there have been some links in Italy have mentioned Olivier Giroud but there’s nothing to that at this stage, of course, he’d be a wonderful signing for United but there’s not too much substance to that one at this stage.”
“Vincent Aboubakar is an example of a left-of-field signing under consideration – he’s 30, partnering Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr at the moment, and there is the feeling that he could be available.
“There’s been no approach from United yet, but he is likely to be on the market so we’ll see if Premier League clubs think he might be a good short-term fix, though there’s also interest in Turkey and in Ligue 1. Al Nassr would certainly entertain an offer but are yet to receive one yet.
United are also said to be keen on Marcus Thuram following his good form at the World Cup for France.
He is out of contract in the summer and Jacobs thinks that him joining Man Utd is a “more realistic move”.
“Marcus Thuram is another name creeping into the conversation with Manchester United. I know that prior to the World Cup, they were scouting him and keeping an eye on his progress, so we’ll see how that develops,” Jacobs continued.
“It could be a more realistic move in the summer as he’ll be out of contract at the end of the season as things stand. United have been monitoring that situation, and it helps that he’s having a very strong season at the moment, with 13 goals in 17 games, and is someone who can play centrally or out wide.
Jacobs adds: “I wouldn’t be too surprised if their issues mean that a loan deal is more likely than any permanent deal.”
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