Manchester United close to loan deal for Ronaldo replacement

Manchester United are in the market to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester United close to loan deal for Ronaldo replacement

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 13:08 - 07.01.2023

Erik ten Hag has been desperate to add new players to his squad and the Red Devils are now reportedly close to agreeing a deal for a striker

Manchester United are in the market for a new striker after cutting ties with Cristiano Ronaldo last month, with the 37-year-old having since joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The Red Devils have now turned their attention to Cameroon striker, Vincent Aboubakar.

Aboubakar, formerly of Porto and Besiktas, has spent the last 18 months with Al-Nassr and has scored 13 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, including four goals in 12 games so far this season.

Vincent Aboubakar is a top target for Manchester United
Vincent Aboubakar is a top target for Manchester United

Aboubakar close to Manchester United move

Al-Nassr have exceeded the limit for non-Saudi Arabian players in their first-team squad following the arrival of Ronaldo and they cannot register the Portuguese legend until one of their remaining seven foreign players leaves the club.

According to Saudi Arabian news outlet OKAZ, the Red Devils and Turkish giants Fenerbahce have an agreement in place to take Aboubakar on loan, with the striker expected to favour a move to the Premier League.

A move to Manchester United for Aboubakar would not only strengthen the attacking options for Erik ten Hag, but would also allow Ronaldo to be officially registered by Al-Nassr. The 30-year-old is also likely to be an inexpensive addition as well and he has the experience and quality to adapt to English football quickly.

Big picture for Manchester United

The Red Devils currently have only two senior strikers at the club in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Erik ten Hag will be keen to strengthen an area of his team that lacks proper depth.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are the only available centre-forward options for Manchester United
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are the only available centre-forward options for Manchester United

Former United forward Memphis Depay has been linked with a possible return to Old Trafford, with his long-term future at Barcelona believed to be uncertain. Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix was also a target but was deemed too expensive.

Ten Hag is set to prioritise the addition of a centre-forward this month after acquiring the services of backup goalkeeper Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.

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