Ignore Ekitike: Man Utd should now make 3 budget signings including 22yo Belgian star for £90m

Manchester United have had a good start to this summer’s transfer window.

The Red Devils have already bolstered their forward department with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Matheus Cunha.

The club are also in advanced negotiations with Brentford for the purchase of winger Bryan Mbeumo. A deal could be agreed over the coming days.

The Red Devils are likely to make more signings. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has been linked, but he will cost a hefty price of £85 million.

Instead of him, we believe the club should make three budget signings for just £90m.

Senne Lammens – Royal Antwerp – £30m

The Belgian has developed into one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in European football. He is already attracting interest from several elite clubs including Manchester City.

The 22-year-old had a fantastic 2024/25 season at Royal Antwerp. He made a staggering 173 saves in the Belgian top flight, with a success rate of 77 percent.

Lammens averaged 26 passes with almost eight long balls. He had a positive xGOT (goals prevented) of 15.57, keeping nine clean sheets in the Belgian Pro League.

Aside from this, Lammens saved four penalties. At £30m, he would be a bargain signing for United due to his age and huge potential. A deal could depend on Andre Onana’s exit.

Lucien Agoume – Sevilla – £20m

The France youth international signed for Sevilla from Inter Milan on loan in January last year. The midfielder’s move was made permanent last summer for £3.4m for 50 percent of his rights.

The 23-year-old had an impressive 2024/25 campaign with Sevilla. Agoume won four duels and two tackles per league game for the Andalusian outfit while making almost four recoveries.

His defensive and technical ability has drawn comparisons to a young N’Golo Kante. For a reported fee of £20 million, he would represent a brilliant acquisition, given his young age and high ceiling.

Sevilla have had plenty of financial troubles over the past year. They are presently in the process of acquiring an additional 40 percent of Agoume’s rights for £4.3m ahead of his potential departure.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace – £40m

United are yearning for an upgrade in the striking department. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted only seven Premier League goals during the previous campaign.

The club attempted to purchase Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, but he ultimately chose to join Chelsea. If United are eyeing a striker with English top-flight experience, Mateta would be a good choice.

The Frenchman has been a revelation since Oliver Glasner became Crystal Palace’s manager in March last year. He has scored 30 league goals in the last 15 months. Only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak have managed more during the same period.

Mateta would provide a different dimension to United’s attack with his strong physical presence and a keen eye for goal. His tally should only improve with Cunha, Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes linking up behind him. It could be a dream attack for the Mancunian giants.

The former Mainz man has two years left on his contract. Despite Palace qualifying for the Europa League, he could be enticed by the prospect of becoming United’s undisputed striker upfront. A package of £40m could be enough to prise him away from the London outfit.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .