INEOS ‘speaking to Italian clubs’ in hopes of offloading lacklustre £100.5m duo signed under Erik ten Hag

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·17 mai 2025

INEOS ‘speaking to Italian clubs’ in hopes of offloading lacklustre £100.5m duo signed under Erik ten Hag

INEOS chiefs are doing their utmost to raise funds early doors in the summer transfer window.

Numerous Manchester United players are at risk of being offloaded much sooner than they’d anticipated in the coming months, with outgoings essential to the board being able to oversee a much-needed overhaul at Old Trafford.

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It’s thought only a handful of players have been granted immunity from a forthcoming fire sale; those being Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Patrick Dorgu, the latter is one of only two senior Reds to have been signed during Ruben Amorim’s tenure, along with youngster Ayden Heaven.

Attacking reinforcements are pivotal this summer

From the key decision-makers’ point of view, the frontline is taking priority in terms of the area that needs strengthening most, and fans will certainly echo the sentiment.

The Independent claims that United ‘have been speaking to Italian clubs’ in hopes of finding suitors for the £100.5 million duo Rasmus Hojlund (£64m) and Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m). Should any deals come to fruition, it would see the strikers return to the league they originally moved from before signing for the 20-time champions.

Hojlund and Zirkzee facing uncertain futures

The duo were signed during Erik ten Hag’s reign. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Of the pair, Zirkzee is the one who’s enjoyed a more successful personal campaign, even if he hasn’t found the back of the net as much as supporters had hoped. His attacking prowess and ability to drop back and link-up play have seen his stock rise considerably in recent months, so much so that his season-ending hamstring injury came as a gutting blow for Amorim and the M16 faithful.

The same can’t be said of Hojlund, on the other hand. If anything, the Dane has regressed in his sophomore term in England.

He scored 10 Premier League goals in 30 appearances across 2023/2024, yet has only four top-flight goals to his name in 31 matches this season.

Liam Delap is believed to be INEOS’ first-choice target to occupy the No.9 position after the summer, although United’s chances of getting a deal over the line could hinge on whether they seal Champions League qualification on Wednesday.