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Olympic football 2024: Three possible Man United transfer targets at Paris Games

Sports Mole looks at three possible transfer targets for Manchester United at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Manchester United have already boosted their squad with the signings of two players this summer.

Joshua Zirkzee was confirmed as the first acquisition of the INEOS era, with the Dutchman arriving from Bologna, while Leny Yoro's switch from Lille was confirmed on Thursday night.

The Red Devils are still planning to bring in more players before the transfer window closes, though, with a central midfielder thought to be a priority.

However, another forward could also arrive, as the 20-time English champions look to put together a squad capable of being challengers on all fronts during the 2024-25 campaign.

With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at three players from the Paris 2024 Olympics that Man United could potentially target, with the football tournament due to begin on July 24.


Fermin Lopez (CM | Spain Under-23s | Barcelona)

FC Barcelona's Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring their second goal on October 25, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona midfielder Fermin is in the Spain squad for the competition, and there has already been suggestions of interest from Man United during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old was in impressive form for Barcelona during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering one assist in 42 appearances in all competitions.

Fermin has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2027, but the Catalan club's difficult financial situation means that a summer transfer for the Spaniard cannot be ruled out.

Man United are expected to bring in a new central midfielder this summer, and Fermin's high-energy style and goalscoring abilities from a deeper position make him a very interesting option for the Red Devils.


Jean-Philippe Mateta (CF | France Under-23s | Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta reacts in May 2024© Reuters

Mateta is one of the over-age players in the France squad, and it will be fascinating to see how the 27-year-old performs for his country during the summer tournament.

Man United are believed to be considering signing another forward before the end of the transfer window, and Mateta would bring a completely different option to the Red Devils.

The forward was in excellent form for Palace during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 19 goals and registering five assists in 39 appearances, with 16 of his goals coming in the Premier League.

Mateta's contract has less than two years left to run, and he could be the experienced option that the Red Devils need in the final third of the field, as Rasmus Hojlund, 21, and Zikzee, 23, are still in the early stages of their careers.


Desire Doue (LW | France Under-23s | Rennes)

Rennes Desire Doue pictured in February 2024© Imago

Doue's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of major European clubs believed to be interested in signing the 19-year-old from Rennes this summer.

The attacker has represented his current side on 76 occasions, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in the process, including four goals and five assists in 31 Ligue 1 outings last term.

As it stands, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are seen as the favourites to sign him, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also seemingly in the mix.

However, Man United should be having a close look at the forward, who is capable of operating in a number of different positions in the final third of the field.

The Red Devils have already completed a deal for one outstanding French teenager this summer and could potentially be in the market for another.


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