Manchester United’s prospective owner Sheikh Jassim is plotting to sign marquee players
Jassim is one of the two favourites to win the race to acquire the club from the Glazers
Kylian Mbappe is among the players who has been earmarked should the bid succeed
Even before his dream of acquiring Manchester United goes through, Sheikh Jassim is already plotting big-money moves should he take over as the new owner.
Long-time owners, the Glazers declared their intention to sell with the deadline for submission of the final bids passing on April 28.
It is understood that Sheikh Jassim is among the leading contenders after he submitted a record bid of 5 billion euros. Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is the other possibility.
As GMS reports, Ratcliffe has a slight edge considering his willingness to allow the Glazers family to retain some level of control over the club.
But as this happens behind the scenes, it has now emerged that Sheikh Jassim has already readied a transfer war chest should his bid go through. The Qatari royale has reportedly set aside 800 million euros for infrastructure development and transfers.
Mbappe on United shortlist
As BILD reports, he intends to make some high-profile signings led by Kylian Mbappe who, despite extending his Paris Saint-Germain contract last year, continues to be linked with a move away.
Real Madrid have always been the perceived option for the 24-year-old and it will be interesting to see just want lengths Jassim would be willing to go to to see the transfer materialise
Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga have also been touted as possible targets. The Mbappe approach makes sense given that Erik ten Hag has largely operated without a proven striker after breaking ranks with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jadon Sancho’s unreliability could see him make way for Coman as Camavinga slots in to provide cover for Casemiro as Scott McTomminay and Fred get moved on. These are, however, big ifs, with Camavinga especially looking to have found his groove in the Spanish capital.
It is not yet known when the winner of the bid will be announced.