Manchester United have scouted a German starlet that Frankfurt are open to selling, who could arrive as competition for Luke Shaw and also as the long-term successor.
Since signing in 2014, Luke Shaw has been the mainstay left-back for the majority of his time at Manchester United when fit.
Even when the likes of Alex Telles or Tyrell Malacia were signed, or when the likes of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Brandon Williams emerged from the Academy, Shaw’s performances elevated with competition.
Despite the Englishman starting all Premier League games so far, the lack of minutes for Malacia shows he is not trusted, and now Patrick Dorgu is being seen as a winger, there is a clear need for a left-back this summer.
Shaw’s contract is set to expire in 2027, and by then, he will be turning 32. If a left-back option were to be signed, then a younger profile would be desirable for the club.
United enter race for Brown
Nathaniel Brown has taken Germany by storm ever since he broke onto the scene as a 19-year-old for FC Nürnberg in the Bundesliga Two in the 22/23 season.
Since then, he has made the move to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he has excelled as an all-round left-back, but more so with his attacking qualities. This season, the German has contributed with three goals and six assists in all competitions. He needs one more goal contribution to make it back-to-back seasons of ten-goal contribution seasons.
SPORT BILD have reported that Frankfurt are open to selling Brown in the summer to raise funds to reinvest in the squad, with European Football next season in doubt.
The German outlet has also reported that United have entered the race for the player, viewing him as a long-term option at left-back. However, the player’s price has been set at around £51 million, which could put United off a deal.
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Brown is the best option
£51 million is a sizeable fee for a full-back, and with United targeting two premium midfielders this summer, a deal at that price may not be sensible.
However, with Frankfurt needing the money, there is leverage for United to potentially bring the price down. If INEOS follow a similar tactic to last summer, where they agree a deal with the player first and then the club to bring the price down, there is no reason the club cannot do it.
Being at Newcastle United, Lewis Hall’s price tag would be more astronomical and therefore Brown becomes the best option this summer at left-back.
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His age and ability to be the perfect modern full-back make him such a desirable option that if the club can buy him for under £45 million, it would make it a brilliant deal considering the huge future benefits.
There is the risk that he may take some time to adjust to the league, with many players coming from the Bundesliga failing to adjust or, like Benjamin Šeško, taking a few months.
However, the fact that he is not coming in as the starter straight away and with the club looking like being in European competitions next season, he will get regular minutes to adjust before taking over from Shaw when he eventually departs the club.
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