Manchester United could spend more than £10.5 million to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, with the club also expected to pay compensation to bring four members of his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
The Argentine has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick. United have reportedly held discussions with him over personal terms and are assessing the financial implications of his appointment.
According to TeamTalk, Pochettino has a release clause of about £7.5 million (€9 million). However, the cost of securing his preferred coaching team could push the total above £10.5 million (€12.5 million).
The four staff members he wants to bring with him are assistant coaches Jesus Perez and Miguel “Miki” D’Agostino, goalkeeping coach Antonio “Toni” Jiménez, and sports scientist Sebastiano Pochettino, his eldest son.
Perez has worked alongside Pochettino since 2009, when they began their coaching partnership at Espanyol. He plays a key role in tactical preparation, training design and communication between the manager and players.
D’Agostino, a former teammate of Pochettino at Newell’s Old Boys, has also been part of his coaching staff since 2009. Jiménez, another former teammate, has worked with him since their time at Espanyol and is responsible for goalkeeper development.
Sebastiano joined his father’s coaching team in 2016, during their time at Tottenham. He specialises in sports science, focusing on player conditioning, workload management and injury prevention.
Compensation for the four staff members is estimated at about £3 million. That would take the potential cost of the appointment above £10.5 million, before any personal contract with Pochettino is taken into account.
Pochettino has reportedly moved ahead of other candidates considered by United, including Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
United are expected to proceed with the appointment once Carrick’s departure is confirmed. Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly backed the club’s pursuit of the Argentine.
