Incoming Man Utd chief Omar Berrada explains his concerns for transfer window

18 June 2024 , 18:52

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Omar Berrada (R) has warned against the perils of overpaying on transfers (Image: PA)

Omar Berrada has warned that overpaying in the transfer market is unsustainable ahead of taking up his new role as Manchester United 's chief executive.

It emerged back in January that the Red Devils had poached Barrada from Manchester City in the first major move made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Moroccan, a highly-respected operator with significant experience, is currently on gardening leave but will start work at Old Trafford officially next month.

Berrada will form an integral part of United's new hierarchy and joins during the middle of the summer transfer window with plenty of incomings and outgoings expected.

United have been accused of overpaying for players in the past - and Berrada stressed that adopting such a tactic is unwise during the EU Business School's commencement ceremony in Barcelona last week, according to a fellow attendee.

Marc Guerrero wrote on LinkedIn : "It was a pleasure to meet Manchester United's appointed new CEO, Omar Berrada (one of the most experienced football executives at the top of European football) at the sidelines of EU Business School commencement ceremony.

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"Berrada arrives to the United after being chief football operations officer (COO) at Manchester City Football Club.

"For him, implementing the correct structure at the club is key to the team's success. He also warns overpaying clubs, players and agents in the transfer market can lead to teams finding themselves on a 'slippery slope'."

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to oversee his first transfer window at Man United (Getty Images)

Berrada's stance on overpaying for transfers seemingly aligns with that of Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in his boyhood club last season. He and his Ineos team are now in control of sporting operations at Old Trafford and as well as bringing Berrada in, they have also appointed Jason Wilcox as technical director and hope to install Dan Ashworth as their sporting director.

After seeing an initial bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite rejected last week, Mirror Football revealed that United have already warned their Premier League rivals they will not be held to ransom for the 21-year-old and that they will move onto other targets if a deal cannot be struck.

United's initial bid was understood to have amounted to £43million including achievable add-ons. Everton value Branthwaite at £70m, with United set to return with an improved offer for the centre-half in the coming days.

Dan Marsh