Editor’s note: this Jose Mourinho summer transfer window shopping list feature article is by guest contributor Callum Newell
New Manchester United manager José Mourinho has kicked off his reign with serious intent in the transfer market, with many big names set firmly in his sights.
Having already signed highly-rated young Ivorian defender Eric Bailly from Villareal for around £30 million, it is widely assumed that he has also secured the services of legendary striker Zlatan Imbrahimovic for next season, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Mourinho, tasked with getting the Red Devils back to winning ways after a somewhat disappointing season under Louis van Gaal, is expected to be given a substantial transfer war chest this summer. Hence, United fans can expect a busy summer of transfer activity.
Here is the link to the list of five midfielders reportedly on José Mourinho’s summer wish list. Here are seven players (four forwards, three defenders) reportedly on the Portuguese managers’ summer wish list:
(Click on the player names where highlighted to read more about that individual midfielder, you’ll also want to check out our Manchester United all transfer rumor starting XI team at this link too)
Raphaël Varane
According to a story run by Marca, French defender Varane is considering his future at Real Madrid.
Mourinho is known to highly rate the defender, having been the manager who brought him to the Bernabeu when he was in charge there. However, it remains to be seen whether Zinedine Zidane would be willing to sell.
Breel Embolo
Man Utd are reportedly leading the race to sign the 19 year old Swiss wonderkid from Basel.
The addition of the versatile attacker would give United a potential future front three of Embolo, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, which may provide the club with a fearsome combination for Premier League defences down the road.
It seems that every transfer window since the Welshman left Tottenham for the Bernabeu in 2012, he has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Obviously, this summer is no exception, with Mourinho supposedly keen to break the world transfer record to land Bale as his marquee signing.
Antoine Griezmann
Atlético Madrid forward Griezmann has been in fantastic form for Diego Simeone’s side this season, and has such received a number of offers for his services, with Man Utd and Chelsea known to be interested in the Frenchman.
The technically gifted attacker would not come cheaply though, with his release clause said to be around £60 million.
Everton’s young ball-playing defender Stones is one of the hottest properties in the transfer market this summer, with a number of clubs said to be interested from both England and abroad.
A move to Old Trafford has been backed by former Man Utd and Everton star Phil Neville, who during an interview stated that he would complement current United defender Chris Smalling well.
The Armenian international’s agent Mino Raiola is likely to have a busy summer dealing with Man Utd (he is also the agent of Zlatan Imbrahimovic and Paul Pogba).
According to the Daily Mail, Raiola said that Dortmund winger ‘Micki’ wants to go to Manchester United. But the Red Devils face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature.
Álvaro Morata
Juventus forward Morata is receiving a lot of interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea also eager to add the Spaniard to their squads.
However, because of concerns over game-time at United, with the inevitable arrive of Zlatan Imbrahimovic, he is said to be considering other offers.
Callum Newell is a British teacher of English, and writer, based in the city of Xi’an, China. His writing covers various topics – from sport, to food and drink. Although he has a passion for many different sports, for him nothing can compare to football/soccer – “the beautiful game.”