Manchester United have the next 48 hours to hijack Jonathan David’s move to Juventus | OneFootball

If INEOS intend to land Jonathan David on a free transfer, the next 48 hours will be crucial.

After five years at Lille, the Canadian international is set to leave the Ligue 1 side on a free transfer.

He departs as a club legend, having been their most consistent goalscorer since the 2020–21 season, with 109 goals to his name.

Fresh from a campaign in which he produced 25 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances, the 25-year-old is understandably attracting interest from Europe’s top sides.

United were one of David’s preferred destinations

David had clear preferences, and the Red Devils were among the clubs he was open to joining.

With United actively seeking a top-class striker, his availability makes him a perfect fit.

Yet, despite well-documented interest and David’s willingness, the club have yet to make a formal move.

It appears United have another primary target and remains focused on that pursuit, rightly or wrongly, while free agent David edges closer to a Juventus switch.

Juventus move quickly for David

Juventus’ new general manager, Damien Comolli, according to Corriere dello Sport, has returned to Europe to seal the deal for David. Comolli reportedly left Juventus’ Club World Cup base in the USA following their win over Wydad Casablanca, heading for Turin to press ahead with negotiations.

The Italian outlet suggests he hopes to return to the United States before Juventus face Manchester City, ideally with David’s signature secured.

While David is said to be seeking a €7 million (£5.9 million) net salary, a hefty signing bonus and €12 million (£10.2 million) in agent fees, Juventus may be willing to commit, given there is no transfer fee.

The following 48 hours, therefore, are expected to be decisive.

Juve sales could fund the move

La Gazzetta dello Sport echoes the David-to-Juventus reports but notes that Comolli is also working to finalise the sales of Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula, who are close to joining Nottingham Forest.

Proceeds from that double exit, along with Club World Cup revenue, are expected to go towards securing David (and hopefully pursuing Jadon Sancho).

La Gazzetta dello Sport also claims that David has instructed his representatives to soften their financial demands to facilitate a move to the Allianz Stadium, indicating his strong desire to join the Bianconeri.

Is there time for a United hijack?

United may have missed out, but if there is genuine interest, INEOS still have a window in which to act.

David has been waiting on a move to United; should they make the call, Juventus’ plans could yet be disrupted.

Featured image Vaughn Ridley via Getty Images

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