Manchester United’s Selling Revolution: Learning the Art of Offloading Players Efficiently
As Manchester United enter the Ineos era, the club has not only focused on big-name signings but also made significant strides in offloading players to improve financial efficiency.
While the club has historically struggled in selling players for high values, this summer saw a major shift. United generated over £100 million in sales by moving on several fringe players, a far cry from previous years when selling was not their strong suit.
Revamped Approach to Sales
Manchester United sold notable players like Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood for a combined £50 million, placing them among the top 10 most lucrative sales in the club’s history.
Additionally, United inserted sell-on clauses into contracts for players such as Facundo Pellistri, Maxi Oyedele, and Will Fish, further ensuring future profits if those players succeed at their new clubs.
This change in strategy reflects a conscious effort to balance the books and move towards financial self-sufficiency, a far cry from the club’s practices during the Glazer era.
Back then, the club was often held hostage in negotiations, either overpaying for players or letting them go for undervalued sums.
The Victor Osimhen Saga: Napoli’s Missteps
Napoli’s handling of the Victor Osimhen situation contrasts sharply with United’s recent sales success. In 2023, Osimhen was a prime target for Manchester United and other top clubs, but Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis set an exorbitant price tag of £155 million, effectively scaring off suitors.
Napoli even rejected a £120 million bid from Saudi club Al-Hilal, a move that, in hindsight, has proven costly. Now, with Osimhen loaned to Galatasaray and his release clause reduced to just £63 million, Napoli have lost millions in potential transfer fees.
Learning from Manchester United’s Transformation
Manchester United’s success in the transfer market this summer, securing substantial fees for fringe players and inserting clever sell-on clauses, highlights the progress the club has made in offloading players. In contrast, Napoli’s refusal to cash in on Osimhen when his value was at its peak now appears to have been a significant miscalculation.
This new approach by Manchester United under Ineos could signal a more sustainable financial future for the club, a lesson in how to effectively manage player sales without compromising on quality incomings.
Manchester United’s Selling Revolution: Learning the Art of Offloading Players Efficiently
