Manchester United Transfer Updates: Raum, Kroupi, Obi, and Zirkzee
Manchester United’s window is edging towards its final act, but the script is far from finished.
INEOS chiefs are still weighing up a move for RB Leipzig left-back David Raum, with the Germany international remaining on their shortlist as the clock ticks down. Raum has just a year left on his contract in Leipzig, a detail that will not be lost on United’s recruitment team as they explore options on the left side of defence.
The 26-year-old has been linked with Old Trafford for some time, and those links have not gone away. With United seeking reliability and quality in wide defensive areas, Raum’s situation continues to be monitored as a potential late-market opportunity rather than a headline-grabbing sweep.
McCoist pushes Kroupi case
While United’s scouts scan the continent, one former striker believes the answer to one of their attacking questions could already be in the Premier League.
Ally McCoist has urged the club to seriously consider Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi. The forward is currently sidelined after picking up a pre-season injury and is expected to be out for a spell, but McCoist insists that should not deter United.
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, the ex-Scotland international argued that Kroupi is capable of stepping into the elite bracket.
“At this stage, it's crazy to say Junior Kroupi could play a level up, right? Because Bournemouth have been terrific, as have teams like Brighton, and they are more than capable of holding their own, as we've seen with Bournemouth winning at Arsenal and winning at Newcastle,” McCoist said.
He acknowledged that Bournemouth fans might question the idea, but framed the “next level” as a move to a top-four or top-five side competing in the Champions League.
“In my opinion, he absolutely would not look out of place at a team like Manchester United. I'm more than comfortable with that. He’d be a smart signing.”
For now, Kroupi remains a name on the outside of United’s rumour mill, but McCoist’s endorsement adds another layer to the debate over what kind of forward United should be targeting.
Obi draws Feyenoord interest
At the other end of the spectrum, one of United’s youngest prospects could be heading out to find minutes elsewhere.
Chido Obi, who arrived from Arsenal in 2024, is attracting interest from Feyenoord. The Danish youngster has made only a handful of first-team appearances and has struggled to force his way into Michael Carrick’s senior plans.
Reports in the Netherlands suggest Feyenoord are keen on taking Obi on loan, sensing an opportunity to give the forward the regular football he has not yet found at Old Trafford. For United, a temporary move could offer valuable development without closing the door on his long-term future.
Zirkzee eyes exit before deadline
If Obi’s potential move is about experience, Joshua Zirkzee’s situation is about a clean break.
The Dutch forward wants to leave Manchester United before Tuesday’s deadline, with The Daily Mail reporting that he expects a departure to be sealed before the window shuts. Zirkzee joined the club in 2024 amid high expectations, but his time under Carrick has not taken off.
He is not part of the manager’s plans, and the market has responded. Aston Villa are understood to be leading the chase within England, while Napoli, Juventus and Roma have all been mentioned as possible destinations on the continent.
United are now working through “the final bits and pieces” of their business, and Zirkzee’s future sits near the top of that list. A sale or loan would free up space in the squad and on the wage bill, potentially clearing the way for late moves elsewhere.
Raum on the radar, Kroupi talked up, Obi courted by Feyenoord, Zirkzee pushing for the exit: the picture is clear enough. United’s rebuild under INEOS is not just about who comes through the door, but who is allowed to walk out of it in the final days of this window.
