The free-agent list looks particularly stacked this summer, even beyond the perennially Manchester United-linked Adrien Rabiot.
While Memphis Depay secured his switch to Corinthians this week, Anthony Martial will not be joining his former Red Devils’ teammate in Brazil.
Three months after Martial left Manchester United upon the expiry of his contract, Flamengo eventually turned down the opportunity to sign the injury-hit Frenchman.
Compatriot Rabiot, meanwhile, is still awaiting a fresh start of his own.
Caught Offside report that the former Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder remains an ‘option’ for Man United, but likely only on a short-term, low-cost deal Rabiot may be unwilling to accept.
Turkey international Yusuf Yazici, HITC understands, has been offered to Man United too.
Then there’s Wissam Ben Yedder, a prolific centre-forward at Monaco and Sevilla, Joel Matip, Daniel Amartey, Raphinha, Serge Aurier, Miralem Pjanic, Brandon Williams and the previously United-linked Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting. All without a club.
Now, you can add Oumar Solet to that extensive and highly experienced list.
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Manchester United looked at Oumar Solet this summer
Red Bull Salzburg confirmed on Saturday morning, via their official website, that Solet has been allowed to leave for free.
The defender’s contract has been terminated a year ahead of schedule.
The Austrian giants do not explain why things have come to this. But it is hard to imagine that Solet is facing up to the sort of lengthy spell out of the game suffered by Martial, Rabiot, and former United full-back Brandon Williams.
Per French publication RMC, Manchester United were following Solet ‘closely’ over the summer alongside a host of Bundesliga clubs. Salzburg reportedly wanted around £12 million at the time.
The decision to cut Solet loose and let him leave for nothing, then, may come as a surprise.
Particularly as Salzburg could still have banked themselves a decent fee in January, even if they have long since missed the boat in terms of selling the 24-year-old at maximum value.
Red Bull Salzburg terminate defender’s contract
Of course, Man United would end up bringing in Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro instead, turning to the duo after Omar Berrada convinced them to walk away from discussions with Everton over the £75 million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite.
Solet, a right-footed centre-half, would be behind De Ligt, Yoro and Harry Maguire if he was to join United as a free-agent. The one-time France Under 20 international should not hold his breath awaiting an offer from Old Trafford, then, unless perhaps Yoro was to suffer a serious set-back in his return from injury or any other unforeseen disaster striker Erik ten Hag.
Solet is, though, keen on a switch to the Premier League.
HITC reports that West Ham have been showing an interest. The Hammers, however, have already concluded a deal for the one-time United target Jean-Clair Todibo.
“I just want to show my skills to the whole world. Since the youngest age, I’ve been a fan of the Premier League. But, from now on, I am really open about every top league,” Solet told Goal.
“When I was young, my favourite players were Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.”
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