Man Utd transfer plan ruined as potential Andre Onana replacement signs new deal

Ivan Provedel has signed a new contract with Lazio, ending speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United as a potential replacement for summer flop Andre Onana

Posted Sunday, February 25, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

Manchester United have received a transfer hammer blow - Ivan Provedel has penned a new long-term deal with Lazio.

Back in November, there were rumours the goalkeeper might be on United's radar as a potential replacement for Andre Onana after talks over a new contract hit a bump in the road. But, Provedel has now dashed any hopes by sticking with Lazio.

"I am very happy and I want to thank the President for this certificate of appreciation towards me," he said on social media. "I am proud to be a part of this great family and I hope strongly that we will achieve important sporting achievements together. Always Go Lazio".

This news comes as The Telegraph report that United might find themselves in a tight spot due to 'financial fair play restrictions' this summer. This seems to be because of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe has got his hands on a slice of the club after the bigwigs at the Premier League and Football Association gave their okay to the deal. He's expected to handle everything about footy at United, including the transfers.

But he won't have much wiggle room this summer due to the club spending a whopping £555million on new players over the last three seasons, and failing to make much coin selling players along the way.

Missing out on a Champions League spot could deliver another £40m financial hit to the club. Due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), clubs are forbidden from losing over £105m across three years.

PSR was the reason United didn't bring in fresh talent during the January transfer window and they'll need to sell some of their squad to raise money. A source told the Telegraph: "You can't do it overnight because of FFP and the fact the club has put themselves in a very tough financial position."

"You can't buy your way out of it. You can't do a City because there's no headroom. You can dress things up, invest in infrastructure you spend as much as you want on the stadium."

"But when it comes to the squad that's going to take time and funding. Clearly restructuring the squad has to be a key part of your agenda but you're tied down by FFP so it's a steady process."