Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji could leave the club in the summer, with Manchester United reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign him.
With his current deal expiring in 2023, Borussia Dortmund would like to extend the Swiss international’s stay further. It is understood the defender has already rejected a new contract proposal from the Black and Yellows as he holds out for a bigger paycheck than the €9.5 million per year deal that has been offered.
According to BILD, Manchester United are pushing to sign Manuel Akanji and have made a lucrative four-year contract offer. A transfer fee of €30 million is under discussion between the Red Devils and Borussia Dortmund.
Manuel Akanji, 26, has been a mainstay in the Dortmund backline for four years now, having arrived from Swiss club FC Basel in January 2018. He is highly rated in the Bundesliga and his strong defensive displays have caught the attention of Man United.
The Switzerland international, who is equally comfortable playing on the left or right of a defensive pairing, dreams of joining Manchester United and playing in the Premier League, the report adds.
Manuel Akanji to Manchester United—Good move for the Red Devils?
Manchester United currently have Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones on their books.
Maguire has attracted a lot of criticism following his error-strewn displays at the back this season. The Man United skipper has failed to form a strong understanding with Raphael Varane, whose first campaign at Old Trafford has been blighted by injury troubles.
Eric Bailly is also injury prone and remains unhappy with his lack of game time, while Phil Jones is still hoping to leave the club despite turning down a January move to Ligue 1 club Bordeaux. Thus, the Red Devils have absolutely no reason not to go after a central defender when the transfer window reopens, especially amid uncertainties over the long-term future of some of the club’s current crop of centre-backs.
This makes Manuel Akanji a viable target for Manchester United. With 150 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, Akanji has no shortage of experience at the highest level, while he will offer much-needed competition to Maguire and Lindelof. He can also operate in a three-man defence and at right-back, and such versatility could be beneficial for a Man United side that will aim to make defensive improvements next season.
The Switzerland international’s physicality, coupled with his reading of the game and good turn of pace, could make him an ideal fit for the Premier League—and particularly the Red Devils—as they are set to hire a permanent manager in the summer.
Rumoured to be available at around €30 million, Manuel Akanji could represent a smart piece of business for the Mancunian giants.