Transfer Centre

Three strikers Manchester United could target using contract strategy

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 February 2024

Sports Mole looks at three forwards, who are out of contract in 2025, Manchester United could target during this summer's transfer window.

Manchester United are reportedly planning to target players who are entering the final year of their contracts during this summer's transfer window.

Incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be wary of keeping costs down in his first market at the club and believes that targeting players out of contract in June 2025 will help them achieve that.

The Red Devils will bring in a new centre-forward in the upcoming market, with Rasmus Hojlund needing support for next season, as Anthony Martial is set to leave when his contract expires.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three players who could be targeted by the 20-time English champions this summer using the contract strategy.

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Brentford's Ivan Toney during the warm up before the match on February 5, 2024 © Reuters

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has admitted that Toney will "most likely" leave the club during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old has impressed for the Bees since returning to action last month following a betting-related suspension, scoring twice in three Premier League appearances.

Toney netted 20 Premier League goals last term, meanwhile, and he is believed to be wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea during the upcoming market.

Man United are also thought to be closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Englishman, who has 70 goals and 21 assists in 126 matches for Brentford.

Toney is the type of ready-made striker that the Red Devils need in order to challenge for major silverware again, and it will be fascinating to see whether Erik ten Hag's side compete for his signature.

Jonathan David (Lille)

Lille's Jonathan David during the warm up before the match on January 22, 2022 © Reuters

David's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the Canada international believed to have a number of admirers from the Premier League.

The Canada international helped Lille win the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title, and his overall record for the French club stands at 71 goals and five assists in 164 appearances.

David has 13 goals and six assists in 28 appearances this term, and he has experience in the Champions League, netting three times in eight outings in the competition.

The 24-year-old is seemingly ready to make the next step in his career, with Chelsea the latest club to be credited with an interest in his services.

Man United are also thought to be admirers, though, and Lille have allegedly already accepted that they will have to sell him this summer, with a new deal at the club unlikely.

Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)

Newcastle United's Callum Wilson pictured on August 19, 2023 © Reuters

Man United need to bring in a new forward without harming the progress of Hojlund, who has started to demonstrate his immense potential.

Hojlund has netted in each of his last four Premier League appearances, while his overall record this season now stands at 10 goals and two assists in 28 outings.

Man United could therefore decide to bring in an understudy to the Denmark international, and Wilson is an interesting option due to his contract situation.

The Englishman has had his injury problems, but he has scored 46 goals and registered 11 assists in 103 appearances for Newcastle, following on from the 67 goals and 30 assists which he managed in 187 outings for Bournemouth.

At 31, he is not a long-term option, but Wilson has 86 goals and 27 assists in 216 Premier League appearances, so he is a proven goalscorer at the top level, and Man United are believed to have considered moving for him in the latter stages of the January transfer window.