Manchester United have become a club that has been known to splash the cash in the transfer market, as seen by their recruitment drive during the summer of 2025.
After finishing 15th in the Premier League the year prior, it was crucial that the Red Devils improved numerous areas of the squad – including the attacking department.
INEOS forked out a reported £200m for three new forwards at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all making the move to join the club.
The trio have already netted 25 league goals between them at present, with the aforementioned star currently the top three scorers within the senior ranks.
However, despite the immediate impact of the summer additions, the hierarchy have already identified numerous players who could join the side during the off-season.
Over the last couple of days, United have been just one Premier League club touted with a move to land Inter Milan’s 20-year-old centre forward Pio Esposito this summer.
It was reported that the Red Devils have already reached out to the Serie A side over a possible deal for the youngster who’s already netted nine goals in all competitions during 2025/26.
However, a deal for the Italian could well be a tricky one to conclude, as Cristian Chivu’s men have stated that Esposito isn’t for sale at any price this summer.
He’s not the only name that’s appeared on the club’s radar in recent days, with Ajax star Mika Godts another forward who could make a switch to Old Trafford.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the club have already made contact with the Dutch outfit over a move for the 20-year-old who’s currently sitting on 23 combined goals and assists.
Whilst the Sky Sports journalist hasn’t stated a fee for his services, other outlets have confirmed that a transfer for the left-winger could cost a reported £34m.
Why Godts would be the perfect Rashford replacement
Added reinforcements within the final third could well be needed at United this summer, especially if winger Marcus Rashford is permanently offloaded in the months ahead.
The Englishman, who came through the Red Devils’ academy, has found first-team action hard to come by at Old Trafford, resulting in a loan move to Barcelona for the entirety of the 2025/26 season.
The 28-year-old has found his form once again in LaLiga, subsequently registering 20 combined goals and assists across all competitions to date for Hansi Flick’s side.
The Spanish giants do have an option to buy Rashford on a permanent basis this summer, which could open the door for the hierarchy at United to bolster their own squad.
Given his extended period at Old Trafford, any departure would no doubt be a sad one, but it could be the perfect opportunity to complete the signing of Godts from Ajax.
However, doubts could be cast within the fanbase over a move for the Belgian, especially after the lack of impact of the last winger who arrived at Old Trafford from the Dutch giants.
Antony joined the Red Devils for a reported £86m in the summer of 2022, but only scored 12 times and subsequently departed for just £20m to join Real Betis in August.
Despite the concerns over a move for Godts, the club should be looking to pursue a move for his signature, with the Belgian producing some incredible numbers this season.
The 20-year-old has registered a staggering 1.4 shots on target per 90 this season, even managing to achieve an accuracy rate of 50% so far this campaign.
|
Mika Godts – Eredivisie stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
25 |
|
Goals & assists |
23 |
|
Shots on target |
1.4 |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
50% |
|
Dribbles completed |
2.8 |
|
Chances created |
2.7 |
|
Touches in 18-yard box |
7.1 |
|
Fouls won |
1.4 |
The aforementioned figures rank him within the top 5% of all attackers in the Eredivisie this season, showcasing the threat he possesses when in front of goal.
He’s also completed 2.8 successful dribbles per 90 to date, whilst creating 2.7 chances per 90 – highlighting his ability to provide others with opportunities alongside going alone.
Other numbers, such as 7.1 touches in the opposition penalty area and 1.4 fouls won per 90, further indicate the threat he poses to any side that tries to contain him.
His all-round nature in the final third could certainly make him the perfect Rashford replacement, whilst also allowing the fans to forget about the disappointing deal for Antony.
£34m on today’s market would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could add serious quality and depth to United’s already potent frontline.
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