Why is Manchester United's transfer window progressing slowly?

Ongoing international tournaments have delayed business, as many players are waiting until their national team duties conclude before deciding their club futures.

Who is expected to be Manchester United's first summer signing?

According to reports, Atalanta midfielder Ederson is anticipated to be the club's first arrival, though this has been delayed by his international commitments with Brazil.

Which free agents have been linked with a move to Old Trafford?

Local reports suggest the club could look at Yves Bissouma, Leon Goretzka, Dani Ceballos, and Dusan Vlahovic to add depth and experience to the squad.

Sport

Four free agents Man Utd could target after Anderson and Fernandes setbacks

With Manchester City and Tottenham pipping United to their midfield targets and the World Cup delaying business, the free transfer market could offer solutions for Michael Carrick's squad.

Ryan Connolly

2 July 20262 min read

Manchester United linked with four free agents amid slow transfer window — Getty Images

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Manchester United's summer transfer window has had a slow start, thanks in no small part to the World Cup. Most players are refusing to discuss their futures until their tournament concludes, and the club have already been pipped to Elliot Anderson (Manchester City, £116m) and Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham, £85m).

Ederson should be United's first signing from Atalanta but his confirmation has been pushed back by a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. With other areas of the pitch needing strengthening alongside midfield, MEN Sport has looked at four free agents who could bolster the squad.

Yves Bissouma

The former Brighton midfielder has just been released by Spurs after a torrid time with injuries. He was on United's radar while at Brighton, and while his time in north London did not go well, Bissouma could add experienced midfield depth. He would certainly not be a direct replacement for Casemiro, but with Ugarte's injury making a summer sale impossible, United need cover.

Leon Goretzka

Germany's World Cup ended in the last 32 as they lost on penalties to Paraguay, and the 31-year-old's priority will now be sorting out his domestic future after leaving Bayern Munich. There is an argument he does not fit the INEOS model, as he has no Premier League experience and is not a player for the future. But in a young squad lacking Champions League experience, Goretzka could fill that gap.

Dani Ceballos

Tchouameni is the dream signing from Real Madrid, but his former teammate could be an alternative. Ceballos had a tough end to life in Madrid with injuries, but he has previous Premier League experience and would likely be happy with a squad role if it meant staying at a Champions League club.

Dusan Vlahovic

The striker's time at Juventus spiralled after contract negotiations were not resolved. Injuries did not help either, but he scored four goals in his final four Serie A games to end on a high. The 26-year-old could be a solid backup option to Benjamin Sesko, though Barcelona and Chelsea have also been linked.

United could also promote from within, with academy prospects Tyler Fletcher and Jim Thwaites impressing at youth level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Manchester United's transfer window progressing slowly?: Ongoing international tournaments have delayed business, as many players are waiting until their national team duties conclude before deciding their club futures.
Who is expected to be Manchester United's first summer signing?: According to reports, Atalanta midfielder Ederson is anticipated to be the club's first arrival, though this has been delayed by his international commitments with Brazil.
Which free agents have been linked with a move to Old Trafford?: Local reports suggest the club could look at Yves Bissouma, Leon Goretzka, Dani Ceballos, and Dusan Vlahovic to add depth and experience to the squad.