Five free agents Manchester United could sign in the summer transfer window

With the January transfer deadline now passed, we look at which players Manchester United could target this summer.
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There are a number of eye-catching possibilities across the Premier League and around Europe as some star players approach the final months of their current deals.

Some players are now able to negotiate pre-contract moves to clubs outside of the country in which they currently ply their trade.

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Manchester World looks at some free agents who could grab the attention of United bosses this summer.

The Serie A-winning midfielder

With lingering doubts over the future of Paul Pogba and concerns over the sustainability of the Fred-Scott McTominay partnership, could the Red Devils consider a move for Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic?

Marcelo Brozovic Credit: Getty Marcelo Brozovic Credit: Getty
Marcelo Brozovic Credit: Getty

The Croatian international joined Inter on an initial 18-month from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2015 and the move became permanent for a £4.5million fee ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Brozovic has certainly given the Nerazzurri value for money making over 220 appearances and playing a key role in helping his club claim the Serie A title last season.

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His time at the San Siro has not always been positive and he was booed by sections of the support following a poor display in a home game against Bologna in February 2018.

However, he has become a key part of the Inter side with his all-action style of play and his ability to adjust to an number of different roles in the heart of their midfield.

Inter are confident a new contract can be agreed and Sky Italia recently reported the Serie A giants are “calm” about the situation.

But with the deal yet to be signed, a summer free transfer switch to Old Trafford remains a possibility.

The in-form Chelsea star

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There would be plenty of competition but Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger would be a very attractive option for a free transfer move to Old Trafford.

Antonio Rudiger - Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have reportedly opened pre-contract talks with the Chelsea centre-back with his deal at Stamford Bridge up at the end of June.Antonio Rudiger - Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have reportedly opened pre-contract talks with the Chelsea centre-back with his deal at Stamford Bridge up at the end of June.
Antonio Rudiger - Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have reportedly opened pre-contract talks with the Chelsea centre-back with his deal at Stamford Bridge up at the end of June.

The German international caught the eye in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and earned a move to Serie A club Roma in July 2016.

However, his career sparked into life when he completed a £31.5million switch the Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2017/18 season.

Since that move, Rudiger has gone on to make over 180 appearances for the Blues and helped the club claim an FA Cup, a Europe League title, a UEFA Super Cup and the Champions League last season.

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The 28-year-old also brings significant international experience as he approaches a half-century of caps for Germany.

With a new deal yet to be agreed, he could be one of the most highly-sought after free agents this summer and the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are said to be monitoring the situation.

But his pace and power would be a useful addition to a Red Devils defence that has failed to answer many questions this season.

A current Ligue 1 target

Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara is already believed to be on the radar for Manchester United and it is believed tentative enquiries have already been made.

Filed in the 'unlikely' category as soon as his name emerged in the papers. He's got a lot of clubs chasing his signature, will be one to watch in the summer.Filed in the 'unlikely' category as soon as his name emerged in the papers. He's got a lot of clubs chasing his signature, will be one to watch in the summer.
Filed in the 'unlikely' category as soon as his name emerged in the papers. He's got a lot of clubs chasing his signature, will be one to watch in the summer.
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At the age of 22, the France Under-21 international could become a shrewd free transfer addition as his contract with the Ligue 1 side enters into its final four months.

Kamara’s versatility will be a significant attraction for clubs around Europe as he is able to play as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back.

Despite his relatively young age, Kamara has been in and around the Marseille senior side for almost six years now and has considerable experience of European football after featuring in the Champions League and Europa League during his time at the Stade Velodrome.

Once again, Kamara is not short of suitors and Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been credited with a serious interest in securing a summer move.

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But could he be tempted by a switch to Old Trafford and a chance to form a part of a new-look Red Devils side?

The Champions League winning centre-back

Danish International Andreas Christensen has had something of a strange career at Chelsea.

Andreas Christensen Credit: Getty Andreas Christensen Credit: Getty
Andreas Christensen Credit: Getty

Despite featuring under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Frank Lampard and current manager Thomas Tuchel, he has struggled to become a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge.

The best spell of his career with the Blues came during the 2017/18 season when he made 40 appearances to help Antonio Conte’s side lift the FA Cup with a 1-0 win against Manchester United.

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The arrival of Maurizio Sarri saw the Dane reduced to playing a back-up role to regular starters David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger - although he did begin to establish himself once again under Sarri’s successor Frank Lampard.

The 25-year-old put in his most memorable performance for the Blues when he replaced Thiago Silva as a first-half substitute in their Champions League final win against Manchester City in May 2021.

Christensen has retained the trust of current Blues boss Tuchel and has made 18 starts under the German this season.

But this looks to be his final year at Stamford Bridge as his current deal ends this summer and the classy centre-back is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

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His age, comfort on the ball and Premier League could make his an attract proposition to bolster Manchester United’s defensive ranks.

The highly-rated Barcelona winger

Many had expected Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé to depart the Camp Now during the January transfer window.

Barcelona are desperate to offload Ousmane Dembele this month with Liverpool a team that have been linked. However, it seems unlikely that he will join the Reds and could potentially join PSG - or remain at Barca.Barcelona are desperate to offload Ousmane Dembele this month with Liverpool a team that have been linked. However, it seems unlikely that he will join the Reds and could potentially join PSG - or remain at Barca.
Barcelona are desperate to offload Ousmane Dembele this month with Liverpool a team that have been linked. However, it seems unlikely that he will join the Reds and could potentially join PSG - or remain at Barca.

The French international has been the subject of some damning quotes from Barca manager Xavi over the last two weeks as his contract enters its final months.

“The message is clear,” said Xavi. “Ousmane Dembélé has to sign a new contract or we find a way to sell him in January. No other way.

“We can’t wait for Ousmane.

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“He renews the contract or a solution to sell him must be found immediately.

“I don’t consider sending him to stands. He says he wants to stay but then he doesn’t sign”.

A January deal proved out of reach, despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and PSG - with a summer move to the latter still said to be a possibility.

However, the Red Devils are still said to retain an interest in the winger and a move to Old Trafford remains a possibility this summer.