Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr to sign striker Vincent Aboubakar on loan.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new centre-forward after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo‘s contract at the end of last month, with the 37-year-old having since linked up with Aboubakar at Al-Nassr.
Aboubakar, formerly of Porto and Besiktas, has spent the last 18 months with Al-Nassr and has scored 13 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, including four strikes in 12 games so far this season.
The 30-year-old recently captained Cameroon at the 2022 World Cup and scored a memorable goal in a surprise 1-0 group-stage win over Brazil.
A recent report claims that Man United have been ‘alerted’ by Aboubakar’s availability, with Al-Nassr prepared to let the experienced striker leave on loan.
Al-Nassr have exceeded the limit for non-Saudi Arabian players in their first-team squad following the arrival of Ronaldo and they cannot register the Portuguese legend until one of their remaining seven foreign players leaves the club.
According to Saudi Arabian news outlet OKAZ, the Red Devils and Turkish giants Fenerbahce have an agreement in place to take Aboubakar on loan, with the striker expected to favour a move to the Premier League.
Aboubakar’s potential temporary switch to Old Trafford would not only strengthen Erik ten Hag‘s options in attack, but would also allow Ronaldo to be officially registered by Al-Nassr.
Prior to the World Cup, Aboubakar spoke highly of his own abilities and believes he can perform a better level than Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah.
Asked about Salah during an interview with @90football.Fr, Aboubakar said: “I understand people’s attitudes, he’s one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League.
“It makes sense that when you go on about a player like that, people will talk. But I did say that it was my opinion, my point of view.
“I don’t give a toss if people don’t like it – I’m not impressed by him. I can do what he does. I just don’t have the opportunity to play in a big club.”
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will attempt to recruit another attack-minded player should he secure the services of Aboubakar, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial currently the only two centre-forward options at his disposal.
Former Red Devils forward Memphis Depay has been linked with a possible return to Old Trafford, with his long-term future at Barcelona believed to be uncertain.
Borussia Monchengladbach‘s Marcus Thuram and Atletico Madrid‘s Joao Felix are two more attackers who could be on the move in January, although it is understood that United are unwilling to sign the latter for the £18.5m fee that the Spanish club are after to sanction a loan deal.
Ten Hag is set to prioritise the addition of a centre-forward this month after acquiring the services of back-up goalkeeper Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.
Source: newsnow
