Manchester United is intensifying its efforts to sign striker El Bilal Toure as the transfer deadline looms. The operation, described as a "crazy three-way operation", involves not just Toure himself but also two other parties: VfB Stuttgart and Atalanta, the player's parent club.
Under the management of Ruben Amorim, who has had to navigate a rocky start with eight wins and seven losses from his 18 matches, the club is under pressure to bolster its attacking options. Toure has emerged as the top target, especially after United’s struggles with scoring and creating goal opportunities this season.
Currently on loan from Atalanta to Stuttgart, Toure has scored four goals and provided one assist across 13 appearances, but his progression has been hampered by injury, sidelining him since November. Nonetheless, Football Mercato reports he is now prioritized by Amorim, reflecting the manager's desire to add depth and quality to his attacking line.
The plan to acquire Toure isn’t straightforward. Stuttgart is considering exercising its purchase option for Toure at €18 million before transferring him to United for €25 million, attempting to maximize the value of their investment. This arrangement would see Toure return to Stuttgart on loan for the rest of the season, sparking questions about the practicality of such moves. FootMercato emphasizes these complications by noting, “The operation to sign Toure does pose three significant questions.”
Firstly, the deal could echo previous missteps at Old Trafford. Toure was brought to Atalanta as a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund—who joined Manchester United—only to underperform, raising concerns about whether history might repeat itself. Going by the estimated transfer value of €9.5 million, United also risks paying significantly more than expected for Toure.
Secondly, the move won't immediately resolve United's existing issues. With both Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee yet to deliver the expected performance levels, the potential acquisition appears to be more of a gamble than a surefire remedy for the club's current attacking woes.
Lastly, the deal hinges on the potential outgoings from the squad. Reports suggest Marcus Rashford is on the cusp of moving to Aston Villa, which could light the path for Toure's arrival. Amorim has hinted at the necessity for change and has stressed, “there is no way back” for Rashford and fellow player Casemiro, during this transfer window.
Completing the rumored deal for Toure might serve as part of more extensive restructuring plans at United, emphasizing the current management’s resolve to rebuild the squad and shake off the past grievances. This determination could intensify as the club rushes to finalize deals before the transfer window closes.
Manchester United supporters remain cautiously optimistic as the clock ticks down on the transfer deadline. The club’s recent history of big-money signings has left fans craving success, and they are eager to see if Toure can be the answer to the tally of missed chances plaguing the team this season.
With days left until the transfer window closes on February 2, 2025, the pressure on Manchester United's management to secure Toure and possibly also bring on Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu for £29.3 million intensifies. Dorgu's arrival is already confirmed and adds to the anticipation surrounding Toure's potential signing. Could this represent the turning point for United as they seek to turn their fortunes around? Only time will tell.