Latest news with #INEOS-led
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leverkusen and Atletico lead chase as Man Utd set £70m asking price
Leverkusen and Atletico lead chase as Man Utd set £70m asking price Garnacho Attracting Interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid Amid Manchester United Uncertainty Winger's Future in Focus as United Eye Rebuild Manchester United's summer transfer window looks set to be shaped by a number of key decisions, and one of the most pressing could concern Alejandro Garnacho. As reported by TeamTalk, the 20-year-old winger is attracting serious attention from across Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid both tracking his situation closely. Photo: IMAGO United face a familiar dilemma: how to balance ambition with a tight transfer budget. With the club under pressure to reshape the squad under the INEOS-led football structure, sales will be necessary to finance arrivals. And that reality is putting some of their most valuable assets, including Garnacho, under the spotlight. Atletico Madrid maintain strong interest According to TeamTalk, Atletico Madrid are among Garnacho's 'favoured landing spots' should he leave Old Trafford this summer. Interest from Diego Simeone's side isn't new. Atleti reportedly 'checked out his situation in January,' but no deal materialised. Advertisement However, their interest has not cooled. Sources suggest Atleti will be 'at the front of the queue' if United give any indication they are willing to entertain offers. The Spanish club are fully aware of Garnacho's long-term ambition to one day play for Real Madrid and see a move back to La Liga as potentially appealing to the player. Photo: IMAGO Bayer Leverkusen join pursuit The latest club to join the race are newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. As per TeamTalk, the German outfit have already 'checked in with his representatives over a potential deal.' Manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be an admirer of Garnacho's direct style and considers him a strong fit for his high-energy, attack-minded system. Advertisement Leverkusen are aware of the fierce competition and understand that Garnacho may prioritise a return to Spain. However, the allure of Champions League football and the club's impressive upward trajectory could make them a persuasive option. Chelsea monitoring developments Chelsea are also monitoring the situation. Garnacho has long been on the radar of the recruitment team at Stamford Bridge, with his age and profile aligning closely with their data-driven transfer strategy. Yet financial considerations may be a hurdle. TeamTalk note that 'his wage demands would likely be a big problem for Chelsea,' who are cautious about committing large salaries to younger players. United's valuation and next steps Despite reports elsewhere suggesting a £50m price tag, TeamTalk insist Manchester United are holding out for closer to £70m. If offers fall short of that figure, United are likely to push for structured deals including add-ons and performance-related clauses to bridge the gap. Photo IMAGO For now, Garnacho remains under contract and an integral part of the first team. But with interest mounting and United needing to make tough decisions this summer, his future remains one of the key storylines to watch. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For the Manchester United fans, the thought of losing Alejandro Garnacho this early in his career is deeply unsettling. This is a player who embodies everything fans want to see in the shirt — directness, fearlessness, and the kind of spark that's been missing too often in recent years. Advertisement Yes, the club needs funds to reinvest, but selling one of the brightest talents the've produced in the past decade feels short-sighted. We've been down this road before with United cashing in on young assets to fund a rebuild, only to regret it later. Think of how Jadon Sancho was once seen as the solution. Now they're flirting with letting go of a player who has already outperformed him in moments that matter. There's no guarantee that selling Garnacho for £70m will lead to a more balanced squad. And while that figure sounds substantial, it won't go far in today's market, especially when trying to bring in multiple players across positions. The bigger concern is what it says about their direction. If Garnacho, at 20, improving fast, already a fan favourite — isn't part of the long-term vision, then who is? Letting him go now could be a decision United regret for years.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Man United confirm Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment
Manchester United have officially appointed Christopher Vivell as their full-time director of recruitment following a successful interim spell in the role, according to The Athletic. The 38-year-old initially joined Man United on a short-term contract last summer but has now committed to a multi-year deal at Old Trafford. The new agreement reportedly includes a reduced salary for the Vivell but he remains committed to playing a key role in the INEOS-led restructuring of United's football operations. The German will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox, who has assumed more responsibilities following the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth. Vivell previously worked at Chelsea and RB Leipzig. He will oversee United's global recruitment strategy, scouting network, and identification of emerging talent. His appointment comes amid a period of structural change at the club, which includes planned staff cuts as part of an effort to streamline operations. His confirmation as director of recruitment provides clarity ahead of what is expected to be a crucial summer transfer window. A key part of his role will involve reorganising United's scouting network, currently led by director of scouting Steve Brown, which is set to undergo cuts. Reports indicate that, as of early 2023, the club had 140 global scouts, including 90 casuals, a setup viewed by some as excessive. Vivell's track record includes influential roles in the Red Bull football group, where he played a part in signings such as Erling Haaland, Benjamin Sesko, and Dayot Upamecano. United's new leadership, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, believes that improving recruitment is essential to the club's long-term financial stability and competitiveness.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Chelsea man lands key Manchester United transfer role
Manchester United have appointed former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell as their director of recruitment on a full-time basis. Vivell has reportedly signed a multi-year contract at Old Trafford following an interim spell in the position. The Athletic report that the 38-year-old German has been given a key role in the INEOS-led rebuild of United. He joined United on a short-term basis as their interim director of recruitment last summer, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes sweeping changes behind the scenes. Vivell reports into technical director Jason Wilcox, who has taken on greater responsibility since the sudden exit of sporting director Dan Ashworth in December. He will lead United's global recruitment operation, scouting structure and emerging talent. Vivell left Chelsea in 2023 following just seven months in his role. Before joining Chelsea, he spent a number of years working within the Red Bull football franchise at Salzburg and Leipzig. Vivell has had an influence on signings so far at United including Sekou Kone. The Athletic report he 'will have to find players capable of performing for United while sticking to tight budgetary constraints'. Ratcliffe is said to believes the work United do in the transfer market is crucial area to improving finances.
