Erik ten Hag with his arms crossed while watching Manchester United train (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
If Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his Manchester United squad, he should keep an eye on the Olympic Games in Paris. The football was the first event to start at the Games this week.
It is the perfect competition for young players to put themselves into the transfer market. Under-23 players and three ‘over-age’ exemptions are allowed to compete in the competition.
Several players in the French capital could prove to be valuable additions to Ten Hag, who is looking to strengthen several positions in his side. Express Sport considers five Olympic stars the Red Devils should consider.
Samuel Omorodion
The 6ft 4in young striker, could be the perfect game-changer for Ten Hag. The Dutch manager previously relied on Wout Weghorst in his first season, whether it was coming on from the bench, or bullying opposing defenders to make space for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony. Omorodion could potentially play a similar role while offering more qualities with the ball at his feet.
Last season, while on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid, the 20-year-old netted eight goals and provided one assist in La Liga. The Olympics could be his opportunity to make a real statement and show the likes of United what he can do.
Alex Baena
Alex Baena is making waves as one of Villarreal’s most promising academy prospects in years. The Spanish playmaker racked up 14 assists for the La Liga giants last season – only Alejandro Grimaldo and Nico Williams managed more in Europe’s top five leagues. If Bruno Fernandes did depart United, as some rumours have said is possible, Baena could be the ideal replacement.
Even if Fernandes stays, Baena could still fit into the midfield and play alongside the Portuguese international. However, securing him won’t be cheap, as Villarreal are reportedly valuing him at around £50m.
Samuel Omorodion already has plenty of admirers (Image: Getty Images)
Fermin Lopez
United have reportedly previously tabled a bid of approximately £25m for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, who netted eight times in 31 outings last season. The forward was also part of the victorious Spanish squad at Euro 2024, although he only made a single appearance off the bench in Luis de la Fuente’s side’s 1-0 triumph over Albania.
The Olympics could provide the ideal launchpad for his career. Lopez is a flexible attacker, capable of playing on the left, behind the striker or even within the midfield trio. The 21-year-old has been with Barcelona since 2016, having transitioned from Real Betis’ youth development system to Barcelona’s renowned La Masia.
However, his future remains uncertain due to Barcelona’s chase for Nico Williams and their other connections to Dani Olmo. Given the club’s ongoing financial struggles, they might be persuaded to let go of the young Spaniard as a way to generate funds.
Lopez was part of Spain’s squad that won Euro 2024 (Image: Getty)
Achraf Hakimi
Naturally, Achraf Hakimi can’t be classified as a young prospect, but he is precisely what United require. As the captain of Morocco’s Olympic team, Hakimi is one of the most high-profile players participating in the Games. United had a tough time in the full-back positions last season, with injuries and inconsistent performances from Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka impacting their effectiveness on both ends of the pitch.
With Wan-Bissaka’s future currently up in the air due to interest from clubs like West Ham United and Inter Milan, Hakimi could be an ideal replacement. He brings a wealth of experience, leadership skills and speed to both defensive and offensive play.
Furthermore, now might be the perfect opportunity for United to make a move, as he only has two years remaining on his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Having already seen Mbappe leave the club on a free transfer, PSG would not want to repeat the same mistake.
United are also tracking the likes of Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries, though.
Hakimi is the captain of Morocco (Image: Getty)
Desire Doue
The Rennes forward has attracted interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, reports the Mirror. Doue earned his place in the French squad by scoring four goals and providing six assists in 43 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants.
Bayern Munich have also reportedly had a £29m bid rejected. With Jadon Sancho’s future still uncertain and Antony continuing to struggle, Ten Hag’s options on the wing are limited.
Tottenham are also said to be interested in the promising 19-year-old, who has two international caps for France’s U23s side. If United decide to pursue him, they may need to move quickly. A strong showing from Doue in Paris could force the Red Devils’ hand.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1928406/man-utd-erik-ten-hag-transfer-window-olympic-games-paris