Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe reportedly meets super agent Jorge Mendes ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly held talks with super agent Jorge Mendes.
Ratcliffe is leading an overhaul of Man United’s football operations after his INEOS group bought a minority stake in the club in February.
Man United have already confirmed Omar Berrada‘s appointment as the club’s new CEO, while Jason Wilcox recently arrived from Southampton to become the new technical director.
The Red Devils are still waiting to bring Dan Ashworth in from Newcastle United as their new sporting director, but talks over a compensation package have hit an impasse, leading to reports that the 53-year-old could take the Magpies to an arbitration.
Man United are also set to appoint Sam Williams as a lead scout for the academy team after seemingly being impressed with his work at Ipswich Town.
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Ratcliffe meets Mendes
In addition to the swath of new arrivals, Man United have seen John Murtough leave his role as the club’s football director.
With Ratcliffe set to continue his revolution at Old Trafford, The Mirror are reporting that he has held discussions with Mendes as he looks to improve Man United’s transfer strategy.
The Man United co-owner is seemingly keen to utilise the Portuguese’s wealth of knowledge and influence in the transfer market.
Mendes has previously had a significant impact on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ transfer police, while he has also been heavily involved with Nottingham Forest.
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What could Ratcliffe’s meeting mean for Man United?
While it is unclear whether Mendes will have any real involvement in Man United’s transfer plan, the meeting with Ratcliffe could help Man United make new additions ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Red Devils have reportedly identified one of Mendes’ clients, Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, as one of their leading targets for the summer transfer window.
As it stands, Man United will have to break their transfer record to prise the 19-year-old away from Benfica, with the Portuguese club looking for his €120m (£102m) release clause to be paid in full.
Perhaps, the Red Devils could use Mendes’ influence to assist in negotiations to sign one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
The 20-time English champions are also believed to be interested in another of Mendes’ clients, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.