Manchester United's Zidane Iqbal sale decision raises £40m transfer strategy question

Manchester United's decision to sanction the departure of promising youngster Zidane Iqbal was met with widespread surprise.

After all, this is a talented 20-year-old who 12 months ago impressed greatly in pre-season and penned a new contract. Now, less than a year on, he is set to sign for Dutch top-tier side FC Utrecht for €1million, albeit with a significant sell-on clause included.

Iqbal, born in Whalley Range, has come through the ranks at Old Trafford and has a senior debut under his belt, albeit he hasn't featured under Erik ten Hag. And while first-team opportunities may not have presented themselves in the short term, midfield is an area where United need a succession plan. Mason Mount could well arrive this summer as part of that process and Kobbie Mainoo is a shining light in the Academy but Iqbal could have had a role to play.

He hasn't played regular senior football and has outgrown the Under-21s. Indeed he wanted to leave on loan in January before an injury crisis prevented any move. A loan again this summer seemed likely but instead it is a permanent exit.

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While the decision to offload Iqbal may ultimately be the right thing for player and club, the reported price emphasises a United issue in the transfer market. While Iqbal is untried and untested at senior level, a fee of €1million represents a low sales figure, and, when you see how Premier League rivals are able to exploit the market, the price becomes even more stark.

Manchester City, for example, made in excess of £40million last summer selling Academy prospects with little or no first-team experience. City sold Samuel Edozie to Southampton for £10m and Darko Gyabi to Leeds United for