Manchester United were keen on bringing Brian Brobbey to the club this summer, but the player personally called Erik ten Hag to tell him that he preferred a move to Ajax.
The 20-year-old striker is set to return to Amsterdam in the coming days for a fee believed to be around €17 million.
It has been a turbulent couple of years for Brobbey. After spending his youth career in Ajax's academy system, he joined Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on a four-year deal in March last year.
With much expectation placed on his young shoulders, the forward failed to find the net in a disappointing five-month spell at the Red Bull Arena.
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He then re-joined Ajax in a loan move until the end of the 2021/22 season and played an important role in helping Erik ten Hag's side lift the Eredivisie title, scoring seven goals in 12 games.
Ten Hag was clearly impressed by Brobbey's impact during his time at the club. In fact, it appears United's new manager wanted to bring the Netherlands U17 international with him to Old Trafford this summer.
A report from Dutch publication De Telegraaf claims United were interested in his signature, but Brobbey called former boss Erik ten Hag to inform him of his choice to join Ajax.
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It was reported earlier this month that Leipzig were demanding a €25 million fee for the player, while Ajax offered €15 million, according to Telegraaf reporter Mike Verweij.
But it appears a deal has now been struck between both clubs.
Back in April, Brobbey joked in a press conference that he would like Ten Hag to bring him to Old Trafford in the future.
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"I am very happy for him and he really deserves it after everything he has done for Ajax," the 20-year-old said after scoring against NEC in a 1-0 win.
"Hopefully he brings me with him in two years! No, no, joking, joking!"
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Ajax
