Strategic move for United, Greenwood is key for the transfer market

Manchester United's latest set of financial results told him everything he needs to know about his transfer plans for the rest of the year. United enjoyed record matchday, broadcast and commercial revenues, as well as record ticket sales and the largest paying membership in global sport. However, they still had a net loss of $26 million. An expected improvement in terms of player sales was achieved, although it was still not enough to offset last summer's huge expenditure.

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In a week in which both Everton and Nottingham Forest were accused of breaching the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, finances in football have rarely been as big an issue as they are now. Punishments could include a fine, point deduction or other sporting sanction. That's why United have to be so careful about what they do in the January transfer window.

The Ineos Group is already planning a significant first summer at the club and once again a key part of the transfer strategy will be to sell players before they can reinvest them elsewhere. In particular, there is a strong argument for United to sell any academy products they no longer need this summer, given that the current financial rules actually encourage such a retrograde approach. While United have always seen their academy as a way of developing the best young talent to bolster their own first team, in modern football it makes much more sense to use it as a money-making machine.

It may seem counterintuitive, but selling academy players is hugely beneficial to a club from a financial fair play perspective because the profit from the sale is classified exclusively as income. An academy player usually does not require a transfer fee or, if he does, he tends to receive relatively low compensation amounts. This means that if you sell an academy player for $10 million, there will be $10 million of instant profit on your books.

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The end of your contract

United have already transferred a wealth of academy talent under Ten Hag's reign, but these have tended to be for low transfer fees, with the potential for a windfall through strong sell-on clauses and the safety net. of repurchase options. This summer, they could really reap the rewards of the new system. Scott McTominay could be sold as part of the ongoing midfield overhaul and questions have been asked over Marcus Rashford's future amid his recent struggles. Greenwood is under contract until 2025 and is expected to leave the club permanently this summer. He has established himself as a key player for Getafe, leading to suggestions that both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona could try to sign him too.