Clubs in Saudi Arabia are aiming to complete transfers for high-profile players this summer - and Manchester United could sell some of the fringe members of their squad to raise funds.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced earlier this month that it would be taking majority control of four of the nation's biggest top division clubs - Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.
Numerous major moves have already been announced, including Al Ittihad capturing the signature of Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
Advert
Al Hilal are also close to signing Wolves star Ruben Neves for a fee of around £47 million, while Chelsea's N'Golo Kante also looks set for a move to Al Ittihad.
But it is the scope of the league's attentions that has caught the eye. Other names linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League are Chelsea quartet Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kalidou Koulibaly. Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Tottenham forward Son Heung-min are also transfer targets.
If their four aforementioned players do depart for Saudi Arabia, Chelsea will recoup some of the funds used for last season's huge spending spree. The club's new owners spent over £600 million on players over the last two windows combined.
Advert
As reported by The Times, Chelsea need to sell players by June 30 in order for those sales figures to count in the upcoming Financial Fair Play (FFP) calculations.
With uncertainty over the takeover process at United, meanwhile, and with the club's transfer budget standing at £100 million (as per The Athletic), the Manchester club could also sell players to the Saudi Pro League to raise funds.
Here are five players that they could move on.
Eric Bailly
Advert
Bailly has spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Ligue 1 club Marseille, with mixed success.
He was banned for seven matches in January for an accidental kick to an opponent's chest, and has made just 17 Ligue 1 appearances. With reports that Marseille will not bid to sign him permanently, the Ivorian is set to return to Old Trafford.
A talented but injury-prone defender, Bailly could be moved on from United if Ten Hag has no plans for him.
Alex Telles
Advert
In a similar position to Bailly, Telles has spent the entire 2022/23 season on loan at La Liga side Sevilla, helping them to win the Europa League.
An attack-minded left-back, the Brazilian was signed from Porto in 2020 but struggled for form at Old Trafford.
The Daily Mail have claimed that the 30-year-old will leave United this summer - and his attacking qualities may make him an attractive option for Saudi Pro League sides.
Anthony Martial
Advert
Martial has suffered injury problems throughout his time at Old Trafford, and missed the FA Cup final earlier this month due to a hamstring issue.
He netted 17 Premier League goals in the 2019/20 campaign but has failed to live up to those heights since. He scored six goals in 21 league appearances this season, but his aforementioned availability issues have been a concern.
The Sun claimed last month that United had lost 'patience' with Martial - and the 27-year-old could move on.
Donny van de Beek
Something of a forgotten man at Old Trafford, Van de Beek is still recovering from a serious knee injury he suffered against Bournemouth in January.
The Dutchman hasn't met expectations since arriving from Ajax in 2021 - though some argue he hasn't had enough opportunities to do so.
The appointment of his former Ajax boss Ten Hag was seen as a new chance for the midfielder to prove himself, but he again struggled for form before the injury. The Daily Mirror claim he is ready to quit the club this summer.
Fred
With United looking to seal a move for Chelsea star Mason Mount, Fred could move onto the fringes at Old Trafford.
According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian is valued at €20 million, and out of the five players, United would be able to extract the most value out of the defensive midfielder despite only having a year left on his contract.
Last month, the Manchester Evening News reported that United were considering allowing Fred to join Fulham - but Saudi Pro League clubs could also express an interest.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Mark Cosgrove/News ImagesTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Fred, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly, Saudi Pro League