Bayer Leverkusen’s new manager Erik ten Hag is eager to launch a stunning transfer hijack of one of his former players at Manchester United this summer.
Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag earlier this season following a disappointing start to his third year in charge.
The Dutch manager had previously guided the team to Carabao Cup success in his first season and added the FA Cup to his achievements shortly before his dismissal. He was succeeded by Ruben Amorim.
Since leaving Old Trafford, Ten Hag has remained unemployed despite being linked with several mid-season opportunities. However, he chose to wait until the summer before returning to management.
It was announced earlier this week that the Dutchman has taken over at German side Bayer Leverkusen, replacing Xabi Alonso, who has become the new manager of Real Madrid.
Leverkusen won the Bundesliga last season and finished runners-up to Bayern Munich this time around. Ten Hag will face a significant challenge, as the club is expected to lose several key players during the transfer window.
Ten Hag eyeing Garnacho transfer hijack
With players such as Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz expected to leave the BayArena in the coming months, Ten Hag will have the opportunity to bring in new signings to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford looks like it’s coming to an end after falling out with Amorim and while a number of clubs are reportedly interested in him, Leverkusen could now come in and attempt a transfer hijack.
TEAMtalk have reported that Ten Hag is keen to sign Garnacho as one of his first signings at Leverkusen and that United are willing to consider offers in the region of £50 million.
It was explained that the Bundesliga outfit approached the Argentine winger’s representatives several weeks ago to explore a potential deal. Now that Ten Hag has been appointed, a move is now a ‘serious option’ for them.
Garnacho became a first-team regular at Old Trafford under Ten Hag and the Dutch manager once labelled him as one of his “best players”.
United need to replace Garnacho’s runs
United are planning to bring Matheus Cunha into the team as the replacement for Garnacho on the left side of United’s attack.
But further depth is needed if the Argentine does leave, with a runner being a crucial profile to recruit for the leadership team at Old Trafford.
Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are the only two players on the books at the club who can offer a real threat with their runs in behind defences and both are expected to leave.
Cunha is a top addition but prefers to be running with the ball than without it, and you need that other profile in your squad to be a success.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.