Manchester United‘s defensive issues are well-documented and interim manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly targeting Borussia Dortmund‘s Dan-Axel Zagadou to help alleviate their woes.
According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United are pushing to sign the talented centre-back for free in the summer transfer window.
Zagadou has developed into an important player for Dortmund since his arrival in 2017, although his progress has been halted by a series of injuries.
The 22-year-old has made 80 appearances for the Bundesliga club in all competitions. Zagadou has also represented France at various youth levels but has yet to make his senior debut.
Manchester United have opened talks to sign Dortmund's French defender Dan-Axel Zagadou (22). (FM)https://t.co/LXpb5pmA6p
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 5, 2022
The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is free to talk to clubs outside Germany over a potential move.
Manchester United could face competition from Newcastle United, who are eager to flex their financial muscle in January as they bid to avoid the drop.
Dan-Axel Zagadou to Manchester United – Right option for the club?
Raphael Varane’s arrival last summer was expected to solidify Manchester United’s defence but the Frenchman has struggled with fitness this season. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have proven to be unreliable, while Eric Bailly has been plagued by injuries.
Thus, the Red Devils are in dire need of an imposing centre-half who can potentially wrestle a starting spot away from Maguire or Varane in the long run. In that context, Zagadou could be a valuable addition.
The 22-year-old is a towering presence at the back, standing at 6’6″. He is also extremely quick for his height and is rarely outpaced by opposing strikers. He is composed in possession and can play an important role in building attacks from the back.
Zagadou also has great awareness and is not often caught out of position. He is not the greatest of tacklers, but his physical presence makes him a hard player to dribble past. The Frenchman will also serve as a threat from set-pieces given his height.
Zagadou mainly plies his trade as a centre-back but he is capable of slotting in on the left as well.
Rangnick is reportedly a big admirer of Zagadou, having tried to sign him during his time with RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old fits the profile of the player that Rangnick and Manchester United are on the lookout for and if he can stay fit for prolonged periods, he should be able to make a mark at Old Trafford.