Manchester United Faces Striker Dilemma as Mitrovic Emerges on Radar
Manchester United’s hunt for reliable firepower up front isn’t getting any easier. But Aleksandar Mitrovic—remember him?—might just be the next name on the transfer whirlwind. Fresh reports reveal United is weighing up a summer move for the former Fulham star, as he’s considering leaving Al-Hilal despite an outstanding run in Saudi Arabia.
If you’ve not kept tabs on Mitrovic since his Premier League days, here’s what’s new: he’s been absolutely tearing it up at Al-Hilal, banging in 47 goals in just 51 league games since his switch in 2023. That kind of return doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s caught the attention of English clubs itching for a proven scorer. But there’s a twist—Al-Hilal is facing a squeeze with foreign player quotas, and their high-profile pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could push Mitrovic toward the exit.
The price isn’t exactly cut-rate, with Al-Hilal reportedly seeking around £40 million to let him go. Yet there’s wiggle room, since United—or any suitor—might look to negotiate a lower deal, especially as Manchester United won’t want to stretch their budget on a player who turns 31 this fall. Still, Mitrovic is making all the right noises, even saying he’s up for a pay cut just to get back to England, where he seems to have unfinished business.
There’s a solid logic to United’s interest. They’ve been feeling the strain up top, as recent signings Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund aren’t exactly scaring defenses week in, week out. The numbers don’t flatter—the Red Devils lagged in the goal-scoring charts last season and have struggled to find consistency. That’s left the door wide open for a proven Premier League performer like Mitrovic, who notched 14 goals in 24 matches for Fulham just two seasons ago, to slot in and give United a much-needed short-term boost.
Race for Mitrovic: Premier League Rivals Watching Closely
Of course, it won’t be as simple as United just showing up and signing him. West Ham is circling, looking for a clinical upgrade after a campaign marred by Niclas Fullkrug’s disappointing output. Everton’s also lurking, eager for some much-needed firepower to keep them out of the drop zone. With several clubs circling, Mitrovic will likely weigh up who can offer regular minutes—and, let’s be honest, a shot at European football.
The real kicker for everyone involved is timing. Al-Hilal isn’t ready to let Mitrovic move just yet, as their board is prioritizing a deal for Victor Osimhen before greenlighting any exits. That means the Serbian marksman’s future hinges on how fast or slow those Osimhen talks drag on. If Napoli drives a hard bargain, Mitrovic’s suitors may have to wait—or risk Panicking and turning elsewhere as preseason ticks down.
Mitrovic, for his part, looks eager to jump back into the Premier League mix. He’s proven he can boss it in England, he’s only recently hit his prime, and he’s ready to sacrifice a payday to reignite his career in more familiar territory. All that adds up to a fascinating transfer subplot as United and their rivals survey the striker market—especially with the clock ticking before the new season kicks off.
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