Ruben Amorim could reputedly receive multiple new players during the winter transfer window
(Image: Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)

Manchester United's 'dream' January transfer window plan revealed as Viktor Gyokeres warning sent

07 Nov 2024, 07:45 by Matthew Abbott · Manchester Evening News

Manchester United have eight more weeks to prepare for the winter transfer window, and the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach only increases the importance of the market reopening in the new year.

The club backed former manager Erik ten Hag with several significant signings during the summer and plenty more across his previous two seasons at Old Trafford. During that time, moves in January were limited to loans by the club, albeit under the last leadership team.

The mid-season change in the dugout could also impact their activity during the month due to the stylistic differences between Amorim and Ten Hag. However, United must still comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

January moves 'planned'

Sky Sports Germany claims that United plan to strengthen in two positions in January by bringing in a central midfielder and an affordable striker. Leon Goretzka is said to be someone the club are closely monitoring but the Bayern Munich player reputedly does not plan on leaving in the new year.

MEN Sport says: This may well turn out to be United's 'dream' window, but if it does it won't set pulses racing among the fanbase. The need for a striker is obvious given United's goalscoring struggles, but what exactly constitutes "affordable" is unclear.

At the very least, that is unlikely to describe Viktor Gyokeres - who should be the club's top target next summer following his dismantling of City. Goretzka, however, could be deemed affordable with only 18 months remaining on his contract.

But he has also hardly played this season despite being integrated back into the team more over recent months, and he would seemingly still need convincing to leave in the new year.

Gyokeres to Real Madrid?

Jamie O'Hara has linked Viktor Gyokeres with Real Madrid amid rumours regarding Man United. "Any club in the world would take Viktor Gyökeres right now," he has told Grosvenor Sport. "He might end up at Real Madrid – they really need a centre-forward at the moment."

O'Hara continued: "You look at Ruben Amorim going to Manchester United and think whether they could sign him or not, but they've got Rasmus Hojlund up front. Hojlund needs to improve, though, or else they may look to bring him in, too! He'll be on everyone's radar, though."

MEN Sport says: It appears inevitable that Gyokeres will leave Sporting next year, with Amorim even acknowledging that after their win over Man City. Arsenal were reputedly interested during the summer, and Chelsea were inevitably said to be, too.

Despite only signing Kylian Mbappe last summer, it would not be a stretch to envisage Madrid moving for Gyokeres at the end of this season, especially if their struggles continue. United should expect competition if they want to sign the striker despite the edge having Amorim at the helm may give them over their rivals.

Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!

Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.

Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.