Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka this summer.
The Red Devils have enjoyed an extremely productive summer transfer window despite the ongoing Old Trafford takeover saga. Mason Mount and Andre Onana have joined the Mancunian club, with Rasmus Hojlund the next scheduled arrival at Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Leon Goretzka at Bayern Munich.
Goretzka, 28, has been a mainstay in Bayern Munich’s midfield since his arrival in 2018-19 from Hoffenheim. However, he is unlikely to be a starter under Thomas Tuchel, with the German tactician planning with Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer next season plus wants a new holding midfielder before the 2023/24 campaign commences.
The report adds the Germany international has insisted he wants to remain at Bayern but Ten Hag hopes he could change his mind.
Leon Goretzka to Manchester United—Should Ten Hag make a move?
Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in more quality and depth in the middle of the park after his club’s return to the Champions League. Fred and Donny van de Beek are likely to be offloaded before the transfer window slams shut, so there will be room for further additions in the Man United engine room.
The United boss seems to have revived his interest in Leon Goretzka. The 28-year-old has been a key player for club and country in recent seasons and he will be hoping to play regularly next season as well. If Thomas Tuchel cannot provide him with regular opportunities at Bayern, it makes sense for him to move on and join Ten Hag’s side.
Ten Hag will need a quality partner for Casemiro in the middle of the park, and Goretzka certainly fits the profile. Capable of playing as a No.6 or No.8, he will add energy, creativity, drive and athleticism as well as defensive cover to the Dutch tactician’s side. The 28-year-old would provide more goal-threat to United’s midfield, with his 69-goal contributions in 179 appearances across all formats for Bayern demonstrating his quality in the final third.
At 28, Goretzka is at the peak of his powers and will take United’s midfield to another level, provided he stays injury free. After undergoing knee surgery last year, he was limited to only 22 Bundesliga appearances. So, there are question marks over his fitness, however, Goretzka overall would be an upgrade on Christian Eriksen in terms of energy and physicality.
As Bayern are rumoured to want around £43m for Goretzka, the Red Devils should be all over this signing.
