Manchester United are becoming increasingly interested in the prospect of signing Germany left-back, David Raum, from Hoffenheim.
Interest from Manchester United has emerged amid Borussia Dortmund stepping up their own pursuit of the 24 year-old, with Raum in high demand across Europe.
It has been reported by Sky Sports in Germany, that Manchester United are attempting to hijack Dortmund’s move for the full-back, but are struggling to cement this interest due to a lack of funds at the club.
Raum had a breakthrough season at Hoffenheim over the 2021/22 season, with the fullback becoming a regular in Germany’s national team, making nine appearances since his debut in September 2021.
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The German’s offensive talent is just as impressive as his defensive skill set, with Raum able to provide the attacking threat required of modern fullbacks, especially in the Premier League.
The German provided three goals and 13 assists across 32 appearances in the Bundesliga last season.
Numbers like this are bound to excite United fans, who have witnessed poor runs of form by both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles in the last year.
It appears that securing the 24-year-old will be a serious challenge for the Reds, however, due to two key reasons.
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Firstly, the defender is keen on a move to Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund, with Dortmund making their interest clear from early on in the window.
Having already proven his talent in the Bundesliga, it would be no surprise if the defender wanted to remain in the German top tier for the foreseeable future.
In addition to this, Dortmund will be competing in the Champions League next season, rather than the Europa League.
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Secondly, the £25-35 million price tag being touted by various sources could prove the determining factor in United failing to sign the fullback, with the club reportedly running low on funds.
This couples up with United’s determination to sign Frenkie de Jong and the need for another defensive midfielder, rather than an additional full-back.
These two key challenges could prove too tough for United, forcing the club to give up their interest in Raum and allow Dortmund to secure the defender for themselves.
As things currently stand however, United are still interested in signing the player for the upcoming season and boosting their options at left back, having been disappointed by Alex Telles’ lack of impact after coming from Porto, as well as Luke Shaw’s inability to maintain his good form from Euro 2021.
Raum would ultimately be an exciting addition to the squad, with Erik ten Hag being able to install his system into the defender from the beginning, rather than having to change a pre-existing play style developed by previous coaches at Manchester United.
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It would not be worth United fans holding their breath over this transfer and to change the age-old phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, or perhaps, “Raum won’t be completed in a day”.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Germany, Hoffenheim, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Bundesliga, Premier League
