(Photo: Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)
Manchester United is expected to hand Daniel James a new deal but that is no assurance that the 22-year-old will be playing at Old Trafford next season. As most know, the Red Devils are expected to make a big move in the summer with names like Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish being mentioned. Should the blockbuster deal materialize, James could end up as the odd man out. Hence, United could end up placing James on loan with multiple teams counting on it to happen.
James was acquired from Swansea City last summer for roughly $18.9 million. So far, he has accounted for only three goals and six assists before the season was placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From his performance alone, it is pretty clear that James has yet to blend in well with the Red Devils. And while he is looking forward to work on that, he may end up playing for some other team next season if the big-time names come in, The Sun reported.
United is passing off on further moves right now. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels he has enough talent to get through the remainder of the current season. Odion Ighalo was the last notable deal that United settled. The Red Devils and Shanghai Shenhua were able to agree on a new loan although there was no buyout option included. Hence, Ighalo is looming as another talent that could be leaving Old Trafford once his deal expires in January 2021.
James is a promising star and his development will not progress if United is filled with star players. The best way for him to improve is by playing on the field. That is likely to happen with some other team, after which the Red Devils could recall him if manpower needs arise.
United is not expected to touch on Sancho or Grealish moves until the summer. They do have roughly $112 million in cash reserves, an amount that may only be enough for Grealish. However, Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has reportedly taken out a loan to infuse an additional $175 million. Combining both amounts, the Red Devils have more than enough to potentially take in both Sancho and Grealish. Add the savings they would get from exiting players like Ighalo in the offseason and United could be a team to watch next season.
For now, the main agenda is getting through the season. Solskjaer is confident they have enough to make it through the season. They are fifth in the Premier League table and are just three points behind Chelsea FC.
