United’s Bold Swap Proposal: A Surprising Trade in the Works
Manchester United is reportedly considering a swap deal with Crystal Palace for England international Marc Guehi. Injuries plagued United’s center-back position throughout the 2023/24 season, forcing manager Erik ten Hag to deploy unconventional pairings such as Casemiro and Jonny Evans in crucial matches.
United’s top defender, Lisandro Martinez, was sidelined for most of the season due to injury, while Raphael Varane is expected to leave this summer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League. As a result, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his revamped recruitment team are prioritizing the acquisition of a new center-back to partner Martinez, seeing an upgrade over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as essential.
One potential target is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, with reports suggesting United are prepared to make an improved offer for the 21-year-old. However, another name emerging on their radar is Marc Guehi, who has significantly boosted his transfer prospects with a standout performance for England in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.
According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace has set a price tag of over £65 million for Guehi, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs. Palace is preparing to negotiate a new deal to retain Guehi for at least another season. However, if talks fail, they are unlikely to entertain bids below their valuation, noting Everton’s £70 million asking price for Branthwaite.
Swap Deal in the Making
In an interesting turn of events, TEAMtalk reports that Manchester United is ready to offer Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Crystal Palace in a swap deal for Guehi. Wan-Bissaka, who joined United from Palace for £50 million in 2019, has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI and is entering the final year of his contract with no extension talks underway.
A swap deal involving Wan-Bissaka could be a more feasible and cost-effective solution for United compared to meeting Everton’s high valuation for Branthwaite. Offering Wan-Bissaka in part-exchange might persuade Palace to part with Guehi, who is ready for the next step in his career and is reportedly open to joining Erik ten Hag’s side.
As United looks to strengthen their defense, this potential swap deal could provide a strategic advantage, addressing their defensive needs while managing financial constraints.
Conclusion
With a focus on bolstering their defense, Manchester United’s interest in Marc Guehi presents an exciting opportunity for the Red Devils. As negotiations progress, this potential swap deal could significantly impact their summer transfer plans, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming season.