8 budget transfers Manchester United could go for this summer

Manchester United are keen to strengthen this summer as they look to kickstart a rebuild under Ruben Amorim, with plenty of outgoings and incomings expected.

Much has already been said about United's financial limitations this summer, with the management having to offload a number of players in order to fund their transfer business.

While United have already sealed the deal for Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, talks for Bryan Mbeumo have seemingly stalled over agreeing for a transfer fee, and once that deal eventually is completed, then purchases will depend solely on the players that United manage to sell.

Reports have already suggested that Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia have been told to find a new club this summer, with them not having a future under Amorim. Last month, we compiled a list of 10 players that United need to sell, but at the time of writing, all of them are still at the club.

Therefore, United will need to make some smart signings, especially utilising free agents and players who are looking to move from their current clubs.

Here is a list of some of the budget options United could go for and actually elevate the squad:

It is important to clarify that the below players are not all free agents, and are simply cheaper alternatives to some of the more expensive players United have been linked to. Market values are according to Transfermarkt.

Douglas Luiz - Juventus (€30 million)

Douglas Luiz is a name that has been popping up quite frequently in recent days due to him reportedly set for a move away from Juventus, with potential for Sancho going the other way.

The 27-year-old midfielder is Premier League-proven, having shone at Aston Villa prior to his largely unsuccessful move to Turin last year.

The Brazilian's season has been hampered by recurring injuries, as well as inconsistency on the pitch, together with some issues in his private life.

Luiz needs a fresh move away, and with United looking for a progressive passer to shore up the midfield, then he might be the perfect fit. It remains to be seen what roles Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes will have next season, and where they will be deployed in the line-up. The Brazilian is very good on the ball and has the right profile United are looking for.

He could end up being a makeweight for the Sancho deal to take place, and could end up boosting United's squad, but his injuries remain a concern.

Boubakary Soumare - Leicester City (€12 million)

Another possible midfielder United could go for is Leicester City's Boubakary Soumare, who is seemingly on the way out after the Foxes' relegation to the Championship.

The Frenchman was one of Leicester's most consistent players last season, and is arguably one of the few players who could get a move back to the top tier. He featured in 35 games in all competitions, regularly being deployed at the heart of the midfield.

While Leicester had a forgettable season, Soumare has shown his qualities throughout his career, especially back at Lille. Last season, Soumare was one of the standout players in Leicester's FA Cup defeat to United.

His contract runs until June 2026, and his market value is reportedly as low as €12 million, making him the perfect cheap option for United if they want more bodies in midfield.

The 26-year-old could offer the physical prowess that Ugarte provides, together with the great ball-carrying ability that United are looking for. He is not going to be a name that many fans will be excited about, but he could be a decent option given the limited budget.

Johan Bakayoko - PSV Eindhoven (€30 million)

One name that has surprisingly not been linked to United is Johan Bakayoko, a 22-year-old Belgian winger who has become known for his trickery and pace at PSV Eindhoven.

Bakayoko's contract expires in June 2026, and while PSV would have wanted a substantial transfer fee had his contract been longer, this summer might be the final opportunity for the Dutch side to get a solid fee for him.

The winger would mainly be an option should the Mbeumo deal fall through, as he would be occupying a position similar to the Cameroonian.

His excellent work on the ball could make him a perfect player for one of the attacking midfield positions, yet there have been no rumours linking him to United yet. With his market value currently at €30 million, he could be an alternative to Mbeumo, but a move for him seems off the mark at this stage. United might also be wary of going to the Eredivisie for young wingers, especially given the mess of a transfer that Antony's move to the club has ended up being.

Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough (€12 million)

A player that has risen in stature over the past 12 months is Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney, with the Englishman being repeatedly linked with a move away from Teesside.

The 23-year-old was a revelation for Boro throughout the season, with his enterprising and consistent performances catching the eyes of many suitors.

Hackney is a combative midfielder who is efficient across all areas of the pitch, having a hand in creating chances, breaking up opposition play with his tackling and winning duels, as well as being accurate with his passing and solid with his ball-carrying ability.

While the fact that he is in the Championship and Middlesbrough have green-lit a move away this summer will work to United's advantage, his standout displays have led to many clubs targeting him, and when combined with the fact that he is English, he is expected to go for more than his €12 million market valuation states.

There are rumours that he could end up going for around €20-25 million this summer, and while that might be quite substantial for a transfer from the Championship and could be frowned upon by many fans, he has all of the qualities to potentially be a success in Amorim's side.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic - Torino (€16 million)

One of the key areas that United need to strengthen is the goalkeeping position.

Andre Onana has been as inconsistent as the whole team has been, making a number of prominent errors and questionable decisions, while Altay Bayindir has not covered himself in any glory whenever he has been called upon.

A player that has been linked to United is former trialist Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who has been dominating Serie A with Torino.

The 2.02-metre Serbian goalkeeper, whose contract expires in June 2026, has been solid and commanding in between the sticks for Torino, keeping 11 clean sheets during a campaign where he missed just one match. During that time, Milinkovic-Savic conceded 44 goals [from 39 games], and at times was not helped by Torino's defence.

United face fierce competition from Serie A clubs as well as arch rivals Leeds United for his signature, especially given that he reportedly has a €21 million release clause in his contract.

At 28 years of age, Milinkovic-Savic could be seen as the ideal man to replace Onana, but a move for him seems dependent on United offloading the Cameroonian goalkeeper, which may be quite tough since United are holding out for a respectable fee.

Dusan Vlahovic - Juventus (€35 million)

Another option from Serie A, another Serbian, and another option from Juventus.

Dusan Vlahovic has had quite a turbulent time in Turin since his move from Fiorentina. From becoming known as one of Serie A's most promising and ruthless forwards, to falling out with managers and being forced out of teams.

Vlahovic is now reportedly set to be shipped away by Juve, with him clearly not in Igor Tudor's plans, especially after sealing a move for Jonathan David.

The Serbian is still 25, and despite his struggles, he has managed to consistently get 10 goals or more in Serie A in his last three campaigns. In fact, since his breakout 2020/21 season where he recorded a remarkable tally of 21 league goals, Vlahovic has never failed to record double digits for league goals.

Vlahovic is a player who has his qualities and also his weaknesses. While his goalscoring instinct is clear for all to see, with him getting into plenty of good positions in the penalty area and getting goals regularly, he does tend to miss plenty of chances, and his off-the-ball play is not the best. His transition from Serie A to Premier League would also be a valid point to consider.

However, given United's struggles in finding a striker that is capable of getting them goals, Vlahovic might be the perfect fit. Aside from him being on the market, his contract is also up in June 2026, making him possibly cheaper than anticipated.

Additionally, United could maybe opt for him instead of Luiz as a makeweight for the Sancho deal.

Amadou Haidara - RB Leipzig (€16 million)

In their search for a lung-busting midfielder, Amadou Haidara might come up on United's lists quite frequently.

The Mali international is currently recovering from a medial collateral ligament injury that he picked up in the latter stages of last season, but he is on the mend and is reportedly ready for the start of pre-season training with RB Leipzig.

The midfielder has become a key figure at the German outfit, being particularly noted for his excellent technique on the ball as well as his understanding of the game, being two steps ahead of opponents.

Throughout last season, he was deployed both in a deep-lying midfield position, as well as in a more ball-playing, central midfield role. His energy was crucial for Leipzig, and his importance in the side was evident in the final two games, as they failed to record any wins without him in the team.

Given he is nursing an injury, he would definitely be a risk, but since he is in the final year of his contract, and is 27, he could be a cheaper option than many others on this list. Transfermarkt has him valued at just €16 million, an absolute steal for a proven midfielder of a high quality with over 150 Bundesliga appearances to his name.

Cristhian Mosquera - Valencia (€30 million)

The final name on our list is Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera, a towering defender who has grown in stature over recent months.

The defender has made it clear that his future lies elsewhere, despite the Spanish club wanting to keep hold of him. He has entered the final year of his deal, and has been touted with a move away, particularly to Arsenal, who are seeing him as the long-term partner to William Saliba.

Mosquera is a quick, strong and good ball-playing defender, and last season he became a vital piece in Valencia's squad, making 41 appearances in all competitions, while also being named in the Spain U21 National Team, making three appearances in the UEFA U21 European Championships.

Out of all the moves, this one seems the unlikeliest, as given Arsenal's interest in him, he would most likely prefer going to North London for UEFA Champions League football. Additionally, the centre-back area is one of the few positions that United are quite well-stocked in given the tendency for the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw to also occupy those positions.

As a result, a move for Mosquera seems like a long shot, but if a move to Arsenal breaks down and United have the funds to make it happen, then they should definitely consider it.

What do you think about this list? Any other names that United should go for?