Manchester United may be in a stronger position to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after securing Champions League football for next season. The 22-year-old, valued at around £50 million, has been a long-term target for Old Trafford chiefs, particularly with Casemiro expected to depart this summer.
Champions League Dream
Scott has previously stated that he would only consider leaving Bournemouth if a Champions League club came calling. Speaking to Transfermarkt in February, he said: "At some point, of course, I'd love to be playing Champions League football. Obviously playing non-league just over six years ago, it's all happened very quickly so I had to grow up very quickly. But that's definitely helped me."
The midfielder, who was signed by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola three years ago, added: "Everyone wants to play at the highest level and be one of the best players in the world, in the league and play for their country. They're definitely dreams of mine. They were dreams from when I was a kid. I'd also love to be playing in the major tournaments for England."
Financial Implications
The financial boost from Champions League qualification could be crucial to United's transfer strategy. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire disclosed that United could earn at least £70 million from the competition. Maguire explained: "You'll get a minimum of effectively £30 million just for rocking up. Then it works out as €2 million per match if you get a victory, €700,000 if you get a draw in terms of prize money. And on top of that, you've got gate receipts."
"You're guaranteed four home fixtures, potentially could be seven to eight home fixtures. For a club the size of United, they should be looking to get £8 million per match in gate receipts. So you've got a minimum of £30 million from gate receipts, another £30 million for participation. So that's £60 million minimum. They'll get the Adidas [kit supplier] bonus of £10 million, so that's £70 million. And as you progress through the tournament, you can start adding the numbers."
Maguire added: "I think there's around about €150 million for winning it last year. Now that was for a club with a fairly good UEFA coefficient, which United don't have these days because they've not been as good as they have been. But even so, I think you'd be looking at €120 million and of course if you win the tournament, you qualify for the next FIFA Club World Cup, which made Chelsea £80 million. It really does ratchet up."
Managerial Situation
Iraola, who is a fan of Scott, has confirmed he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season. The 43-year-old has been linked with the Manchester United job, but interim boss Michael Carrick has impressed during his stint at the club, making the permanent appointment uncertain.
