Manchester United’s hijacking ways may be set to continue this summer with the club emerging as a late contender for the signature of RB Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey, according to reports.
With the future of the No. 9 position at United more uncertain than ever – amidst reports of Cristiano Ronaldo’s imminent exit – it is no surprise that murmurs linking the Reds with a new striker are surfacing.
As of Thursday, United are reportedly set to listen to offers for their Portuguese legend – with rivals Chelsea being one of the clubs with most concrete interest at the moment.
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With that, the only recognized striker in Erik ten Hag’s fold would be Anthony Martial, who just returned from an unsuccessful and injury-stricken loan spell at Sevilla.
German outlet BILD broke the news of United’s interest in Dutch target man Brobbey, with the report suggesting that Ten Hag is interested in bringing another familiar face to Old Trafford and that the pair have already exchanged phone calls on the matter.
Interestingly enough, Brobbey seemed to be on his way back to Ajax after his career in Germany never really took off.
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The striker had a fruitful loan spell at the Dutch champions under Ten Hag to end last season, scoring seven goals in eleven league games.
As a result, Ajax were keen to secure a full-time return home for the 20-year-old, despite Ten Hag’s departure. The Dutch side have a glaring hole up front following the exit of Sebastien Haller but United may have inserted themselves into the picture with enough time to throw a major spanner in the works for the 36-time Eredivisie champions.
United have been pestering Ajax for the services of Lisandro Martinez and winger Antony all summer long and now, they may just have enough pulling power to lure their main striker target away.
According to BILD, Ten Hag is a big supporter of Brobbey – having overseen his form turnaround in the spring. The Premier League factor could be of interest to the youngster, too.
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Despite Brobbey’s contract with Leipzig running until 2025, his reported value is said to be in the region of €15 million – a very affordable sum for United’s budget and needs.
After coming out of nowhere to secure the services of Tyrell Malacia – when it looked all but certain that the left-back’s future would lie in France – United seem to have fallen in love with the tactic of feeling out realistic valuations for transfer targets through other clubs before pouncing in the final stages.
Naturally, the potential move is in very early stages as of right now but United could move quickly with the team jetting off to Thailand for the first leg of pre-season tomorrow.
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At 20 and with a few injuries hindering his development last season, Brobbey has a lot of upside even if he does come in as back-up to Martial initially. The Frenchman is currently looking likely to be handed a United lifeline with Ronaldo’s exit looming.
Martial bagged 23 goals in all competitions for the Reds as recently as two seasons ago and there is internal belief that the new United boss could get a tune out of the Frenchman again.
The 26-year-old is a perfect fit for United’s front line on paper.
Brobbey boasts a bigger natural frame and a knack for sniffing out chances in the box, meaning United could go into the season with a number of encouraging options up front even if they do end up losing their No. 7.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Ajax, RB Leipzig, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo