Ineos can complete bargain of the year signing as Man United target’s asking price is cut in a probable fire sale.

Manchester United is always on the hunt for new market opportunities, and one has presented itself in Ligue 1.

So far, all of Ineos’ efforts this summer have been centred on the offensive.

Manchester United’s goal scoring was perhaps the club’s biggest problem under Ruben Amorim. To address this, United signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, paying his release clause for a considerable boost on the left.

Furthermore, United is nearing the end of the signing process for Bryan Mbeumo, which has taken weeks but might have a transformational impact on the team.

Having this combo makes United a significantly better team that is many times more dangerous, with a new number nine set to be recruited this summer.

As a result, United are expected to sell four attacking players, leaving little options. However, United can now add some high-potential depth to the offence for a sum that could be a total steal.

Here’s why.

Manchester United might get Malick Fofana at a bargain this summer.

Lyon, the French football powerhouse, were demoted to Ligue 2 on Tuesday due to financial concerns that had been warned about earlier this year.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Olympique Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2.

The club has the possibility to appeal the decision. pic.twitter.com/T4UKbqYQBV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2025

Failure to raise the necessary finances has had far-reaching effects, and in such cases, it is customary for the club in question to hold a fire sale in order to raise as much money as possible for when they appeal the judgement.

Star players are likely to move, and Ineos might gain from a fire sale by acquiring wonderkid Malick Fofana for a low price.

United had been linked with a £42 million deal for Fofana, but that was before Lyon’s world fell apart. Nexus Sports now claims that Fofana’s contract included a relegation release clause worth just £25 million.

🚨 Lyon’un birçok oyuncusunda ‘küme düşülürse serbest kalır’ maddesinin bulunduğu ortaya çıktı.

🇧🇪 Malick Fofana: 30 milyon Euro
🇦🇷 Thiago Almada: 25 milyon Euro
🇬🇪 Georges Mikautadze: 22 milyon Euro
🇸🇳 Moussa Niakhaté: 15 milyon Euro
🇫🇷 Corentin Tolisso: 12 milyon Euro pic.twitter.com/f7lMkOwzO0

— Nexus Sports (@nexustransfer) June 24, 2025

This 40% drop in Fofana’s prospective cost will undoubtedly alarm the rest of the Premier League, resulting in a frantic rush to win his signing, in which United must compete.

Fofana was so impressive at Old Trafford, and getting him as a substitute for Alejandro Garnacho is the ideal move for Ineos, potentially costing less than half the amount.

This would be an opportunistic move by Ineos, but it has enormous potential for the Red Devils.

Where might Fofana play for United?
Cunha and Mbeumo are undoubtedly Amorim’s starters, thus adding Fofana would be a luxury move, presumably only doable after selling a few players this summer.

Despite not having a defined role to play in United’s starting lineup, Fofana rarely started for Lyon and would be content as a squad player as he developed.

The Belgian’s speed and direct dribbling would provide an alternative to United’s present options in the two number 10 positions, but he could also be used elsewhere.

With his dribbling better suited to the wing, Fofana at left wing-back might be an intriguing alternative for Amorim, providing a more offensive option for United when needed.

The benefits of adding Fofana are significant, making it a deal that United should consider too good to pass up, especially if Lyon is forced to sell.

Ineos can complete bargain of the year signing as Man United target’s asking price is cut in a probable fire sale.

Ineos could be on the brink of securing one of the smartest deals of the summer as Manchester United’s pursuit of a key transfer target becomes increasingly realistic. Reports suggest that the player’s asking price has been significantly reduced, paving the way for a potential bargain signing that could reshape United’s squad without exhausting their budget. With Ineos now taking a greater role in football operations at Old Trafford, this development offers a golden opportunity to demonstrate their efficiency and strategic approach in the transfer market.

The target in question has long been on United’s radar, with scouts tracking his performances closely over the past year. Known for his versatility, tactical intelligence, and high work rate, the player has impressed at both club and international levels. His skillset fits neatly into Erik ten Hag’s preferred system, offering depth and quality in a key area of the pitch.

Initially, the transfer fee being quoted for the player was deemed excessive, especially given United’s financial considerations and need to comply with spending restrictions. However, circumstances at the selling club have shifted dramatically. Financial pressures, combined with a bloated squad, have forced the club to consider a fire sale, resulting in reduced valuations for several players.

This scenario has opened the door for Ineos and Manchester United to capitalize. The reduced asking price not only makes the deal financially viable, but it also minimizes risk while maximizing potential reward. Such moves are crucial for clubs aiming to build sustainable success without overextending themselves in the market.

For Ineos, this could be the first major signal of their intent. Since increasing their influence at Manchester United, fans and pundits alike have been eager to see how their presence will reshape recruitment. Securing a high-quality player at a fraction of his initial cost would speak volumes about their ability to navigate the transfer window effectively.

The player’s camp is reportedly open to a move, with Old Trafford seen as an attractive destination. With United rebuilding under ten Hag and aiming for a return to elite status in both the Premier League and Europe, joining the project at this stage holds major appeal for ambitious talents.

Ten Hag, who is keen to add more tactical flexibility to his squad, has reportedly given his approval for the pursuit. The player’s ability to operate in multiple roles is seen as a huge plus, particularly as United prepare for a demanding season with domestic and continental commitments.

Timing will be crucial. Other clubs are aware of the player’s availability, and competition could intensify if United do not act swiftly. Ineos will need to balance due diligence with decisiveness to avoid being outmaneuvered in the race.

The selling club is also eager to offload players quickly, both to reduce the wage bill and to raise funds for their own summer business. This urgency works in United’s favor, potentially allowing them to drive an even harder bargain or structure the deal in a way that suits their long-term financial goals.

Should the transfer be completed at the reported reduced fee, it could easily be labeled the bargain of the year. In a market where inflated prices are common, landing a proven performer at a cut price is a rare and valuable achievement.

United’s current midfield and defensive depth has been a concern, especially with injuries and inconsistency plaguing the previous campaign. The target could bring stability and quality in these areas, strengthening the squad without breaking the bank.

Moreover, this signing could set a precedent for future Ineos-led business. If successful, it would reinforce confidence in their ability to deliver value, allowing Manchester United to build a competitive squad through smart, efficient deals.

The fans are likely to welcome such an acquisition, especially amid growing concerns over reckless spending in previous windows. A calculated, cost-effective transfer sends the right message about the direction of the club under the new ownership structure.

This potential signing also supports United’s broader goal of returning to the top of English and European football by creating a balanced, high-performing squad without falling into financial instability.

With the summer window heating up, all eyes will now be on Ineos and Manchester United to see whether they can close out this promising opportunity. The reduced asking price, the player’s availability, and the clear fit within ten Hag’s system all point toward a deal that makes both sporting and financial sense.

This transfer story could become a case study in how smart clubs capitalize on market inefficiencies. As other teams hesitate, Manchester United have the chance to strike decisively and walk away with one of the best-value signings of the window.

If executed successfully, it would mark a major win for Ineos and a strong signal of a new era of smarter decision-making at Old Trafford.