Update: 5 big names Man United can sign by triggering their release clause in the transfer window News

Manchester United are expected to be active in the summer transfer window and there are a number of high-profile stars who could be signed if their release clauses are triggered

Ruben Amorim and Manchester United may turn their attention to high-profile players with attractive release clauses in their contracts as they consider summer additions. As the Portuguese manager’s first season comes to a close, results have been disappointing.

Since taking over from Erik ten Hag, Amorim has only managed to secure six victories in the top flight, drawing five and suffering 11 defeats. His team is on track for a record low finish in the Premier League, currently sitting in 14th place. If not for the possibility of a Europa League victory – with a semi-final match against Athletic Club looming – the season would be considered a complete failure.

Looking forward to the summer transfer window, it’s clear that fresh faces are required. The Red Devils are expected to provide their 40-year-old manager with new resources, and we have highlighted potential stars whose release clauses could be triggered before they make Old Trafford their new home.

Liam Delap

The Ipswich Town striker was bought for an initial £15million in the summer of 2024 to help the Tractor Boys in their fight to stay in the top flight. However, once their relegation to the Championship is confirmed, he could reportedly leave for just twice that amount. Liam Delap, with his 12 Premier League goals, has caught the attention of top English clubs. The former Manchester City academy star’s overall performance has made him a sought-after player.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that if his current teamares relegated, a £30m release clause in the five-year contract he signed a year ago will be activated. The Suffolk-based side are essentially facing relegation, being 14 points from safety with only five games left. Reports from the Mail suggest that United could seize the opportunity to secure a bargain.

Current first-choice striker Rasmus Hojlund has not lived up to his hefty £72m price tag, and a record of 24 goals in 88 matches is not satisfactory for a club of United’s stature, reports the Mirror.

Despite his past ties with rival team Cityzens, Englishman Delap could be the one to spearhead Amorim’s attack next season. It’s reported that Cityzens have a £40m buy-back agreement on the 22-year-old, but they may see little reason to bring him back to the Etihad given Erling Haaland’s presence.

Jeremie Frimpong

A crucial yet currently ineffective part of Amorim’s strategy at Old Trafford is the use of attacking wingbacks. At his previous club, Sporting CP, wide play contributed to the Portuguese manager’s two historic league titles.

Regrettably, the combination of Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, newcomer Patrick Dorgu, and often-injured Luke Shaw has not been up to par. As a result, young talents like Harry Amass, who performed commendably in their recent 1-0 loss to Wolves, are being given opportunities in the position.

Few wing-backs in Europe possess the blistering speed and technical prowess of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, another former City academy star who could be on the move this summer due to an attractive release clause.

The Dutch player was instrumental in his German team’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last year, but his £33.5m release clause has drawn interest from numerous clubs, including United’s fierce rivals Liverpool. If United want to make a significant impact, securing Frimpong could be the way to do it, and discussions held in 2023 suggest he is firmly on their radar.

Dean Huijsen

The Spanish international showed little promise before his £12.6m transfer to Bournemouth in 2024, but he is now widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s, if not European football’s, most promising defensive talents.

Huijsen, born in the Netherlands, began his youth football career in Spain before moving to Juventus in 2021. By 2024, he had made it to the club’s reserves and secured a loan move to Roma. During his time in Rome, he played 14 matches, scored two goals, and only made one senior appearance for Juventus before his summer transfer.

This season, Huijsen has been a picture of composure for the Cherries, leading a defence that has only conceded 40 goals and providing a solid foundation for an unexpected push for European football.

Unsurprisingly, many top clubs have shown interest in Huijsen, including United. United desperately needs a centre-half, as evidenced by their reliance on 20-year-old academy graduate Tyler Fredricson in their last outing. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, United could be considering activating the defender’s £50m clause.

Victor Osimhen

The Red Devils’ need for a powerful attacking force is well-known, given Hojlund’s underwhelming performances and Joshua Zirkzee’s lack of goals.

One player who has been linked with a move not just to Old Trafford, but also to Stamford Bridge and the Emirates, is Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen.

The 26-year-old emerged as one of Europe’s top marksmen when he helped his parent club Napoli to their Scudetto triumph in 2023. After a fallout last summer, he seemed set for a move to the English Premier League with Chelsea and Arsenal among the rumoured interested parties. However, no deal was finalised, and he ended up on loan at Galatasaray.

But when the Super Eagles star returns to Serie A in the coming months, a permanent transfer away is believed to be the preferred option. United are reportedly interested and could secure a deal for Osimhen through his release clause for just £64m, according to Sky Germany.

Matheus Cunha

Wolves, the latest team to hand United a defeat, are likely to lose their star Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window.

Cunha arrived at Molineux from Atletico Madrid in 2023 initially on loan, which later became a permanent deal for a fee believed to be around £44m.

While the 25-year-old’s first few performances lacked a goalscoring touch and confidence, he has since become one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.

This season, Cunha gave United a hard time with Wolves, masterminding their 2-0 home victory against Amorim’s side in late 2024 before winning the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia converted to secure an unexpected double over the weekend.

According to the Telegraph, these auditions have made his £62.5m release clause a price United are willing to pay in instalments, as they desperately seek a talented attacking outlet.