Manchester United’s quest for a new striker continues, but any significant move in the market now hinges on one thing: sales. Despite having a clear need up front, the Red Devils are walking a financial tightrope, and without offloading players, the club’s hands are effectively tied. One target they’ve already crossed off the list is Alexander Isak, whose hefty price tag has turned Old Trafford’s attention elsewhere.
Alexander Isak has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest forwards, and with his desire to leave Newcastle, it was only natural that Manchester United would be linked. But the reported £150 million price tag quickly cooled any real interest. That sort of figure simply isn’t feasible for a club that has already spent heavily this summer and is under pressure to balance its books before any more major moves.
Instead of Isak, United have quietly explored more realistic targets. Three names have reportedly surfaced: Ollie Watkins, Randal Kolo Muani, and Dusan Vlahovic. Each offers a different profile and set of challenges, but all three come with more manageable expectations than the Magpies’ Swedish star.
Watkins, for instance, was quickly ruled out. Aston Villa have made it clear he’s not available — not to Arsenal back in January when they bid £60 million, and certainly not now. Watkins has become an essential figure for Unai Emery and prying him away from Villa Park seems unlikely.
That leaves United looking abroad, where the conditions might be more favorable.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is one of the few names still very much in play. The French striker spent last season on loan at Juventus, but the Italian side struggled to make the numbers work on a permanent deal. PSG, open to offloading the forward, are now looking for takers.
There’s a possibility of a loan with an obligation to buy — a structure that could suit United’s current budget limitations. A permanent transfer would cost around €50 million, which, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be out of reach. But these aren’t normal circumstances at Old Trafford.
With Marcus Rashford’s unexpected move to Barcelona freeing up some salary space, United do have a little more breathing room. Still, club leadership and manager Ruben Amorim have been clear: unless more players are sold, the club won’t green-light another big transfer.
Vlahovic is another option being floated. Juventus are keen to sell the Serbian international, especially since his contract expires next year. But the player himself appears content to see out his deal in Turin. That complicates matters, as United aren’t just looking for a stop-gap — they need a forward who wants to be part of a long-term project.
