90min

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Predicts What Will Happen in January Transfer Window

By Jamie Spencer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn't expect clubs to do much business in January
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn't expect clubs to do much business in January / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned fans not to expect a busy January transfer window, with the Norwegian predicting that the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic on football finances will continue to limit activity – for all clubs.

United are still keen on Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho after failing to land him in the summer, while a new striker remains a long-term target as the club already looks to life after veteran short-term solution Edinson Cavani.

Jadon Sancho is still a Man Utd target
Jadon Sancho is still a Man Utd target / DeFodi Images/Getty Images

United are also looking to bring in a new centre-back, having decided it was not a top priority ahead of this season, and have players like Pau Torres and Dayot Upamecano on a shortlist of possible targets, while getting Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo off the wage bill is another task.

“It’s hard to predict [what] other teams [will do] and how the financial situation is…if teams need to sell or if they've got money to buy. I don't predict a lot of ins and outs,” Solskjaer told the media as he addressed the issue of recruitment in the winter window.

“The world, financially, and in football, has changed as well also. It depends how the injury situations are at different teams,” the Norwegian added.

Solskjaer actually believes he has very good options at his disposal as things stand.

“I feel very happy with my squad at the moment. We're getting stronger. I still have issues every week when we only get an 18-man squad to pick from. Who do you leave out? I feel I'm in a good position,” the United boss explained.

One deal United have already wrapped up for January is Ivorian teenager Amad Diallo, whose £19m transfer, potentially rising by another £18.5m over time with add-ons, was agreed and announced on transfer deadline day in October, subject to work permit approval.

Amad Diallo will arrive from Atalanta in January
Amad Diallo will arrive from Atalanta in January / BSR Agency/Getty Images

18-year-old Diallo made his first senior appearance of the season for current club Atalanta as a substitute in their Serie A defeat to Hellas Verona at the weekend. He is unlikely to become an immediate first-teamer at Old Trafford and his development could follow a similar path to that of fellow teenager Facundo Pellistri, who has been playing at Under-23 level so far.

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